Panasonic Projector & Display Americas recently powered “Smithsonian Dreams,” a large-scale landmark public art experience that transformed the Smithsonian Castle into an immersive, AI-driven visual experience on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from July 17–18, 2026.
The two-night activation was created by media artist Refik Anadol and presented by the Smithsonian. The experience employed a custom AI system trained on nearly two centuries of Smithsonian collections to project evolving digital artwork across the historic structure.
“Smithsonian Dreams” combined projection mapping, AI, sound and Panasonic’s projection technology to reimagine the cultural landmark and showcase technology and human creativity working together. Refik Anadol Studio’s custom AI system drew from digitized artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, scientific records and artworks from the Smithsonian’s collections to create the visual experience.
“What makes projects like this especially rewarding is that every visitor takes something different away from the experience,” said Dan Meehan, executive strategic account manager, Panasonic Projector & Display Americas. “Some people connect with the history, others with the art, the innovation, or simply the visual spectacle. Our goal is to provide the technology that enables those moments of discovery and connection.”
44 Panasonic PT-RQ45K Series 4K projectors powered the installation, aiming to offer the brightness, image quality and color accuracy necessary to transform the Castle’s 145-foot structure into a digital canvas. Projectors were positioned throughout the National Mall, including one installation point more than 700 feet from the Castle.
The company said that the activation also carries significance as part of the Smithsonian’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The experience launched alongside the reopening of the Smithsonian Castle following a significant renovation. Panasonic said that the project also builds on the company’s history of collaboration with Refik Anadol. Their previous collaborations include WDCH Dreams at Walt Disney Concert Hall and installations at Frieze Los Angeles.
“Smithsonian Dreams is a powerful example of what can happen when technology and creativity come together,” said Meehan. “The Smithsonian is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of knowledge, and Refik’s vision provided an entirely new way to experience it. We’re proud that Panasonic’s projection technology could help bring that vision to life at such a monumental scale.”