Filled Lecture Hall in the Smithsonian Institution Building

Filled Lecture Hall in the Smithsonian Institution Building

AUTHOR:
Unknown
SUBJECT:
Smithsonian Institution Building Lecture Hall
Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Number of Images: 1 Color: Black and White ; Size: 10w x 8h ; Type of Image: Engraving ; Medium: Photographic print
TYPE:
Photographic print
Interior
Engraving
DATE:
1857
CATEGORY:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
SUMMARY:
Engraving of the Lecture Hall in the Upper Main Hall of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or "Castle" shows an audience listening to a lecturer with demonstration using scientific apparatus. The engraving was published in the Smithsonian Guidebook of 1857. Pew-like bench seats held over 1,500 attendees. The Hall was used from 1855-1865 until the fire of 1865 destroyed all the upper rooms of the building. The lecture room was used for scientific demonstrations, free public lectures, meetings and concerts. The design of the room afforded clear sight-lines and evidently superb acoustics. There is both a lower area and a balcony area.
CONTAINED WITHIN:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 31, Folder: 40
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
TOPIC:
Lectures and lecturing
Engraving
Visitor's Guide
Museum visitors
Balconies
Scientific apparatus and instruments
Guide books
STANDARD NUMBER:
SIA2011-2390 or 43804-K
RESTRICTIONS:
No restrictions
DATA SOURCE:
Smithsonian Archives - History Div