Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic Column Capital
Buried Treasure
The Bird House has gone through many transformations since it was first erected in 1928 and then expanded in 1937 as a Public Works Administration program. But when it came time for a renovation in 1965, some original Bird House elements might have been lost to history if not for a happy accident.
During the 1965 renovations, some of the original entrance's decorative mosaic elements were moved to new locations around the Bird House. Other elements were discarded, including the colorful column capital that once flanked the Bird House's entryway. As the Zoo prepared for the modern renovation, work began in the old gardens. Contractors uncovered the capital, buried and forgotten for decades. It has since been restored and now receives a place of honor in the Bird House garden.
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 38° 55.796′ N, 77° 3.132′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It can be reached from Asia Trail Northwest
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Eagle Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); 50 Years of Giant Panda Conservation Success (within shouting distance of this marker); Back in Business (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Giant Pandas (about 300 feet away); Wang Dajun (about 300 feet away); An Alternative to Logging (about 300 feet away); Zhu Xiaojian (about 300 feet away); Ross's Goose (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
