Two-Night Illumination Transforms the Smithsonian Castle Using AI-Driven Interpretations of the Institution’s Collections
The Smithsonian will debut “Smithsonian Dreams,” a large-scale, multisensory public art experience by Refik Anadol, internationally acclaimed media artist and director of Refik Anadol Studio, on the National Mall. On Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, beginning at 9 p.m., the historic Smithsonian Castle will be transformed into a dynamic landmark, inviting visitors to experience an immersive night of light, sound and visuals.
Developed by Refik Anadol Studio, the installation uses a custom AI system to reinterpret nearly two centuries of Smithsonian collections and research. Drawing on millions of digitized items, including specimens, manuscripts, photographs, artworks, objects and scientific records, the project transforms this data into a continuously evolving visual experience projected across the Castle’s red sandstone façade and towers.
At its core is a custom visualization system using a UMAP (Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection) algorithm to map relationships within collection data.
“For me, data is a form of memory,” Anadol said. “The Smithsonian preserves one of humanity’s most extraordinary repositories of knowledge, accumulated across generations of discovery and imagination. ‘Smithsonian Dreams’ asks what might emerge if that vast memory could become dynamic, if the Castle itself could learn from its collections, reflect upon them and dream through them. Using machine intelligence as a creative collaborator, we are transforming the archive into a living experience where history, culture, science and imagination continuously unfold in new ways.”
The work reflects the Institution’s mission for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s museums, libraries, archives and research centers collectively hold more than 157 million objects and specimens, 2.1 million library volumes and approximately 156,000 cubic feet of archival materials, which form the foundation for the experience.
The presentation unfolds in thematic chapters inspired by the Smithsonian’s founding, beginning with the gift of British scientist James Smithson and expanding to themes of discovery, preservation, creativity and collective memory. Archival materials and artworks emerge and dissolve across the Castle’s surface, revealing connections across disciplines and time.
“Since its founding, the Smithsonian has sought new ways to share knowledge with the public and inspire future generations,” said Lisa Sasaki, the Smithsonian’s Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects. “‘Smithsonian Dreams’ reflects that spirit of innovation, bringing together art, technology and one of the world’s greatest collections of knowledge in an experience that invites visitors to see the Smithsonian’s vast collections in a new way where history, culture, science and imagination converge.”
Free and open to the public, “Smithsonian Dreams” invites visitors to consider how knowledge is preserved, shared and continually reimagined across generations.
“Smithsonian Dreams” follows the opening of DATALAND in Los Angeles, a museum developed by Refik Anadol Studio and founded by Anadol and Efsun Erkılıç, that is dedicated to the burgeoning new medium of AI arts.
“Smithsonian Dreams” received support from the Smithsonian initiative “Our Shared Future: 250.” Major support for “Our Shared Future: 250” has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target, Caterpillar Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
Event Information
“Smithsonian Dreams”
Dates: Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18
Time: 9 p.m.–11 p.m.
Arrival: Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. to secure a spot on the National Mall.
Location: Smithsonian Castle, National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Admission: Free
About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, libraries and gardens. Two of the 21 museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is about 157 million. To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian is hosting a full slate of special exhibitions, festivals and public events, including the completion of the National Air and Space Museum’s renovation, which opened to the public 50 years ago for the nation’s bicentennial.
About Refik Anadol Studio
Refik Anadol Studio is a Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary practice founded by artist Refik Anadol and co-founder Efsun Erkılıç. Bringing together artists, architects, data scientists, engineers and researchers, the studio creates immersive media artworks that explore the creative potential of data and machine intelligence. Its projects have been exhibited in more than 80 cities across six continents and experienced by millions worldwide.