I visited the Smithsonian Castle along with several other branches of the Smithsonian like the National Museum of Natural History and the two connected sub-level art museums in 2007 and 2010. I've seen the 1st elevator in person but did not ride it because like you said they aren't public as only the 1st floor of the Castle is public.
+ElevatorMan5482 ElevExperiencing Productions I think automatic doors were usually used for new installations in 1942. But in 1942, elevators with scissor gates were probably still common in buildings built in circa 1920s and earlier.
Okay then, so I guess it's in the office area, and since these are older elevators, I guess they don't want anyone to vandalize or break the equipment.
+dominic arnone nobody will ride these unless they are visiting an office here. I was participating in an interview here. that is the only reason I got to ride
besides these elevators, Schindler's getting sued because of a guy breaking his spine in a building up in Morristown, NJ. look into the star ledger if anybody is curious
