American Architecture: Smithsonian Institution by James Renwick, Jr.

Detailed drawing of the Smithsonian Castle building

Artist: Walter DuBois Richards
Art director: Bradbury Thompson
First day of issue: October 9, 1980

Crayon on board

The original Smithsonian Institution building, known as the Castle, has appeared three times on U.S. postage. A 1946 stamp celebrated the centennial of the Institution, and a 1996 stamp marked the sesquicentennial. This 1980 stamp took a different approach, recognizing the building itself as an American treasure while also honoring the genius of its architect, James Renwick, Jr.

Art of the Stamp