The Arts and Industries Building was sited slightly farther back from the Mall than the Smithsonian Castle to avoid obscuring the view of the Castle from the Capitol.
The building was designed to be symmetrical, composed of a Greek cross with a central rotunda.
The exterior was constructed with geometric patterns of polychrome brick, and a sculpture entitled Columbia Protecting Science and Industry by sculptor Caspar Buberl was placed above the main entrance on the north side.

The interior of the building was partially lit through the use of skylights and clerestory windows.
An iron truss roof covers the building.
 In 1883, the exterior was adjusted to use a more vibrant maroon-colored brick.

The building is composed of four pavilions, one at each corner, about 40 feet (12 m) square and three stories tall.
These surround a central rotunda.
Lower sections or "ranges" were placed outside the pavilions.
 Pervasive complaints of dampness and the poor health of the building's occupants led to the replacement of the wood floors in the 1890s.
Balconies were added in 1896–1902 to increase space after a new Smithsonian Building failed to be authorized by the United States Congress.
A tunnel was constructed in 1901 to the Smithsonian Institution Building next door.
The Arts and Industries Building was sited slightly farther back from the Mall than the Smithsonian Castle to avoid obscuring the view of the Castle from the Capitol. The building was designed to be symmetrical, composed of a Greek cross with a central rotunda. The exterior was constructed with geometric patterns of polychrome brick, and a sculpture entitled Columbia Protecting Science and Industry by sculptor Caspar Buberl was placed above the main entrance on the north side.
The interior of the building was partially lit through the use of skylights and clerestory windows. An iron truss roof covers the building.  In 1883, the exterior was adjusted to use a more vibrant maroon-colored brick.
The building is composed of four pavilions, one at each corner, about 40 feet (12 m) square and three stories tall. These surround a central rotunda. Lower sections or "ranges" were placed outside the pavilions.  Pervasive complaints of dampness and the poor health of the building's occupants led to the replacement of the wood floors in the 1890s. Balconies were added in 1896–1902 to increase space after a new Smithsonian Building failed to be authorized by the United States Congress. A tunnel was constructed in 1901 to the Smithsonian Institution Building next door.
Arts and Industries Building