You may find it ironic that the information center of the most American of museums is located inside a universal symbol of royalty – a castle. The Smithsonian Information Center, called simply “the Castle,” is one of the most famous of all the Smithsonian’s many buildings, as well as the first Smithsonian building ever constructed. Just as the Smithsonian is no ordinary museum, the Castle is no ordinary information center. Yes, you can pop into the Castle to ask for directions or to inquire about visiting hours. But you can also enjoy the Castle as a work of art unto itself. Inside, you’ll find scale models of Washington’s famous monuments, kid-friendly touch screens that communicate in six different languages, electronic wall maps and orientation theaters. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the Children’s Room, which leads out to the Enid A. Haupt Victorian Garden. The Castle is centrally located on the National Mall. Created in the 12th-century Norman style, the Castle is one of the most famous creations of architect James Renwick Jr. If you plan to visit the White House, be sure to swing by one of Renwick’s other masterpieces, the Renwick Gallery.