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IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

24 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

24 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (ride approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of four simulators. Experience the thrill of careening through an action-packed roller-coaster course or racing in futuristic high-speed hovercars. Choose your adventure: Cosmic Race, Bermuda Triangle, Solar Coaster, Grand Prix Raceway, Astro Canyon, or Glacier Run.

Note: Simulator accommodates up to 8 people per ride. Children must be 42 inches tall unless riding with an adult.

Year-Round:

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

24 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

24 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

24 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

24 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

24 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Discovery Room

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30 – 14.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Highlights Tours

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Wash, Rinse, Wring, Repeat!: 19th-Century Laundry at Home

24 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.00 – 12.00

(for all ages) Learn what it was really like to do laundry before the invention of washing machines! Try your hand at washing, rinsing, wringing, and repeating as Americans did at home during the 19th century. After the program, visit Within These Walls… to learn more about laundry at home for a family in the 1880s.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 11:00am (weather dependent)
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

24 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.00

Special Screening: State of Aloha

24 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

Join a group of Hawaiian scholars and culture bearers for a discussion following the screening as part of the museum's annual "Celebrate Hawaii" Festival.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Live Tarantula Feedings

24 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

24 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

24 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Interpretive Tours: Context of Objects in a Museum Setting

24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.00

Look for our volunteer who gives a tour focused on artifacts and specimens on display and encourages discussion about their context in the museum setting.

November 9, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Fri.: 12 Noon and 2:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Friday Gallery Talk: Kiepenkerl

24 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.30 – 13.00

Milena Kalinovska talks about Jeff Koon's Kiepenkerl.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

24 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

24 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00 – 17.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

Highlights Tours

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM

Notes
- On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand).
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Open Studio Fridays

24 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

Join us on Friday afternoons for some creative fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different art material each week.

Highlights Tours

24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee with Megan Greer

24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Join us today at 1:30 p.m., when Megan Greer, M.A. Candidate from the Smithsonian Associates-George Mason University History of the Decorative Arts program, talks about A Girl's Guide to Fashion Evolution by Ginny Ruffner.

Free coffee or tea available.
Year-Round:

Thurs. through Sun.: 1:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights Tour

24 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 13.30 – 14.30

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun., Mon., and Fri.: 1:30-2:30 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

24 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

24 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

24 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Interpretive Tours: Context of Objects in a Museum Setting

24 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 14.30

Look for our volunteer who gives a tour focused on artifacts and specimens on display and encourages discussion about their context in the museum setting.

November 9, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Fri.: 12 Noon and 2:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Flag Folding

24 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Open Studio

24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

(ages 13-19) Open Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to explore the ArtLab space and direct their own experience and learning. Video games, laptop stations, socializing, etc., are encouraged activities during Open Studio.

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For local teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

State of Aloha

24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Interpreter's Choice Tour

24 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Cultural interpreters lead tours showcasing their favorite highlights of the museum.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun. and Fri.: 3-4 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

24 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

24 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the 1:30 PM tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand).

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

24 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

24 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

24 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Friday, 24 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

(ages 13-19) Artist Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to think critically about the media they consume and produce, build their technical skills, and produce meaningful projects. Each day of the week, Mentors offer a different focus:

Monday: invention, construction, and sculptural installation
Tuesday: graphic design and photography production
Wednesday: character design and animation
Thursday: music, video, and sound production
Friday: 3D software and 3D animation

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob All-Day Tour

25 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 07.00

Travel to the scenic Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania for a tour that includes two masterworks of Frank Lloyd Wright’s domestic architecture, a pair of houses in which design and nature beautifully combine.

View more details

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

25 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

25 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

25 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

25 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

25 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

25 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

25 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Celebrate Hawai’i Festival

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 17.00

For the full schedule, click here.

Could you cross the Pacific Ocean without a GPS? Imagine finding an island – like Hawai’i – in the Pacific Ocean using the stars, seabirds, the color of the water, and the clouds as your guide.

This festival is the museum’s annual celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture and coincides with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. During the festival, visitors can meet and greet Hawaiian culture bearers who are practitioners of the traditional Hawaiian arts related to voyaging and canoes.

Visitors can also learn about living a life of “aloha” by watching and learning about hula, taking in a cooking demonstration, watching films, and presentations, and meeting and greeting our Hawaiian guests.

Explore the excitement of navigating and moving the Hawaiian culture across the Pacific through the hula, storytelling, demonstrations, a talk on navigation, foods of the islands, and hands-on activities.

The program will also include a special concert on May 25th with Grammy nominated singer, Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom, one of Hawai’i's most respected and loved female vocalist, songwriter, composer and performer. She continues to be the top-selling female vocalist in Hawai’i. The concert takes place on the museum's Welcome Plaza at 5 p.m. with opening act, The Aloha Boys.

Discovery Room

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

CANCELED - Family Program

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30 – 12.00

Castle Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 10.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

River Art Mural with Prelli Williams

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00 – 13.00

Join local artist Prelli Williams who leads a river art project based on the related exhibition.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00 – 16.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

CANCELED - The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00

Wash, Rinse, Wring, Repeat!: 19th-Century Laundry at Home

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00 – 12.00

(for all ages) Learn what it was really like to do laundry before the invention of washing machines! Try your hand at washing, rinsing, wringing, and repeating as Americans did at home during the 19th century. After the program, visit Within These Walls… to learn more about laundry at home for a family in the 1880s.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 11:00am (weather dependent)
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00

Film Screening: State of Aloha

25 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Live Tarantula Feedings

25 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

25 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

25 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signing: Capt. W. Stewart (Bud) Orr and Fran E. Orr

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Capt. W. Stewart (Bud) Orr (US Navy, Ret.) and Fran E. Orr sign copies of their book Love at First Flight: Adventures, Exploits, Sacrifices, Risks, and Rewards.

Book Signing: Ross Simpson

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00 – 17.00

Ross Simpson signs copies of his book Stealth Down.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signings: Col. Wolfgang Samuel

25 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.00 – 17.00

Col. Wolfgang Samuel signs copies of his books American Raiders, Coming to Colorado, German Boy, Glory Days, I Always Wanted to Fly, The War of Our Childhood, and Watson's Whizzers.

Live Tarantula Feedings

25 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

25 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

25 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Portrait Story Days: Frank Lloyd Wright

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

(for ages 5 and up with adult) Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) and one of his most famous houses, Fallingwater.

Book Signing: Gary Anthes

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00 – 15.00

Gary Anthes signs copies of his book The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Highlights Tours

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Portrait Discovery Kit Activity

25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

(for families with children ages 5 and up) Are you looking for a new way to visit the National Portrait Gallery with family and friends? Borrow a Portrait Discovery Kit – a self-guided, interactive, and imaginative way to learn more about the "sitters" (people in the portraits) and their contributions to American history. The kit includes seek-and-find cards, self-portrait pads, portrait detective and historian guides, and a compare-and-contrast activity using a doll. A museum educator explains how to use the kit before sending you to explore the galleries.

Image: Martin Luther King, Jr. / Boris Chaliapin / Watercolor and pencil on board, 1957

Live Tarantula Feedings

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee with Katie Monroe

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Join us today at 1:30 p.m., when Katie Monroe, M.A. Candidate from the Smithsonian Associates-George Mason University History of the Decorative Arts program, talks about Cactus Botanical with Spirits by Paul Stankard.

Free coffee or tea available.

Year-Round:

Thurs. through Sun.: 1:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

CANCELED - Hands-On Family Craft Activities

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

25 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

CANCELED - The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

25 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 14.00

Highlights of the American Art Museum

25 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

25 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flag Folding

25 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

25 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Film Screening: State of Aloha

25 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 15.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

25 May 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 15.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

25 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

25 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

25 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

25 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 16.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM

Note
- On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the 1:30 PM tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand).
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Indian Summer Showcase Concert: Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom

25 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 May 2013, 17.00 – 18.30

Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated singer and one of Hawai‘i’s most respected and loved female vocalists, songwriters, composers, and performers. She continues to be the top-selling female vocalist in Hawai‘i. The opening act is The Aloha Boys.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

26 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

26 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Special Members' Behind-the-Scenes Castle Tour

26 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 09.45

Have you ever wondered about the history of the Smithsonian? Our members often do. Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. There’s more! As a member, you will be led through some of our celebrated spaces that are not offered on the public tour, including the historic library, Regents’ Room, and Secretary’s Parlor! Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sun.: 9:45 AM

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

26 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

26 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

26 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

26 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

26 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

26 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Celebrate Hawai'i Festival

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30 – 16.30

Could you cross the Pacific Ocean without a GPS? Imagine finding an island – like Hawai’i – in the Pacific Ocean using the stars, seabirds, the color of the water, and the clouds as your guide.

This festival is the museum’s annual celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture and coincides with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. During the festival, visitors can meet and greet Hawaiian culture bearers who are practitioners of the traditional Hawaiian arts related to voyaging and canoes.

Visitors can also learn about living a life of “aloha” by watching and learning about hula, taking in a cooking demonstration, watching films, and presentations, and meeting and greeting our Hawaiian guests. Explore the excitement of navigating and moving the Hawaiian culture across the Pacific through the hula, storytelling, demonstrations, a talk on navigation, foods of the islands, and hands-on activities.

Discovery Room

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Castle Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 10.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

26 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.00 – 16.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

26 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docents who will give a tour of the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.00

CANCELED - Interpretive Programs

26 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.00 – 12.00

CANCELED - Hok-Noth-Da Story Time for Families

26 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.15 – 12.00

Hall of Human Origins Tour

26 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.30

Look for our friendly docent, known as the Hall of Human Origins Navigator, who gives a tour of the related exhibition.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun.: 11:30 AM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Live Tarantula Feedings

26 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

26 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

26 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signing: David Stinson

26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.00 – 14.00

David Stinson signs copies of his book Deadball, A Metaphysical Baseball Novel.

Book Signing: Sandra O'Connell

26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.00 – 17.00

Sandra O'Connell signs copies of her book An American Family in World War II.

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signings: Col. Wolfgang Samuel

26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.00 – 17.00

Col. Wolfgang Samuel signs copies of his books American Raiders, Coming to Colorado, German Boy, Glory Days, I Always Wanted to Fly, The War of Our Childhood, and Watson's Whizzers.

Live Tarantula Feedings

26 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

26 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

26 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

26 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Highlights Tours

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Live Tarantula Feedings

26 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

26 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about the more than 3,300 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Year-Round:

Thurs. through Sun.: 1:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

26 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

26 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.30 – 14.30

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

26 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

An Afternoon with Breena Clarke

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00 – 16.00

Author Breena Clarke reads from River Cross My Heart and her latest novel Stand the Storm, which explores the constant struggle and sacrifice of African Americans to maintain their freedom in a frontier town with no laws protecting black citizens. Book sale and signing follow.

Portrait Story Days: Frank Lloyd Wright

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00 – 17.00

(for ages 5 and up with adult) Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) and one of his most famous houses, Fallingwater.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docents known as the Sant Ocean Hall Navigators who will give a tour of the the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Foreign-Language Highlights Tour: Spanish

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00 – 15.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour in Spanish of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 2 PM

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability and visitor requests.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Portrait Discovery Kit Activity

26 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 14.00 – 17.00

(for families with children ages 5 and up) Are you looking for a new way to visit the National Portrait Gallery with family and friends? Borrow a Portrait Discovery Kit – a self-guided, interactive, and imaginative way to learn more about the "sitters" (people in the portraits) and their contributions to American history. The kit includes seek-and-find cards, self-portrait pads, portrait detective and historian guides, and a compare-and-contrast activity using a doll. A museum educator explains how to use the kit before sending you to explore the galleries.

Image: Martin Luther King, Jr. / Boris Chaliapin / Watercolor and pencil on board, 1957

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

26 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Film Screening: State of Aloha

26 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 15.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

CANCELED - Interpreter's Choice Tour

26 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

26 May 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 15.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

26 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Special Exhibitions Highlights Tour of the American Art Museum

26 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 16.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the special exhibition, Nam June Paik: Global Visionary.

Year-Round:
Special Exhibition Tours of the American Art Museum
• Most Sundays at 4 p.m.

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

26 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

26 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

26 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 16.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Music at the Museum: Summer Band Concert

26 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 26 May 2013, 18.00

Gather family and friends and bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy an outdoor performance featuring the U.S. Navy jazz band the Commodores. Food and lawn chairs not permitted in the museum.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

27 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

27 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

27 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

27 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

27 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.00 – 13.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

27 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

27 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

CANCELED - Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

CANCELED - Conversation Table

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30 – 14.00

Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 11.00

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

27 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 12.00

CANCELED - Highlights of the American Art Museum

27 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 12.30

CANCELED - Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

27 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

27 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00 – 17.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

Highlights Tours

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00

Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

27 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Highlights Tour

27 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 13.30 – 14.30

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun., Mon., and Fri.: 1:30-2:30 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

CANCELED - Highlights of the American Art Museum

27 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 14.00

CANCELED - Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

27 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

27 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Open Studio

27 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

27 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

27 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

27 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Monday, 27 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

28 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

28 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Ride Simulators

28 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

28 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

28 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

28 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

National Air and Space Museum Garden Tour

28 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the plants in the National Air and Space Museum gardens and answers questions about gardening in the mid-Atlantic region.

May 7-September 24, 2013:

Every Tuesday: 10 AM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Butterfly Pavilion

28 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Behind-the-Scenes Quilt Tour

28 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.15 – 12.00

Go behind the scenes to see some 30 highlights of the museum's quilt collection.

February through November:
• 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month: 10:15 AM-12 Noon

Notes:
- Reservations are accepted up to six months in advance and go quickly.
- Because space is limited, only 10 visitors per tour can be accommodated; no children under 12 or tag-alongs permitted.
- The assigned docent will meet participants at the Constitution Ave. information desk promptly at 10:15 AM. Participants are asked to arrive on time, as the docent cannot return for latecomers.
- No tours offered on federal holidays.
- If you are unable to attend, please call to cancel as soon as possible so your slot can be given to someone else.

Highlights Tours

28 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tours

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Film Screening: State of Aloha

28 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

28 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.15

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Live Tarantula Feedings

28 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

28 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

28 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Discovery Room

28 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.00 – 14.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

28 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

28 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

28 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

28 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

28 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00 – 17.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

Highlights Tours

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Family Program

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.30

Learn about Native cultures through a a variety of hands-on activities, including stories, discovery boxes, family tours, or a teaching cart.

Through May 2013:

Most Sat.: 10:30 AM-12 Noon
Most Tues. and Thurs.: 1-2:30 PM

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

28 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Highlights Tours

28 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

28 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

28 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

28 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

28 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Mary Livingston Ripley Garden Tour

28 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 14.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the more than 200 varieties of plants arrayed in hanging baskets, borders, and raised serpentine beds in the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden.

May 7-September 24, 2013:

Every Tuesday: 2 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

28 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Sketching: Draw and Discover: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

28 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 14.30 – 16.30

Join a discussion about artists' sketches, then spend time sketching some of the more than 3,300 artworks on display in the Luce Foundation Center. Bring a small sketchbook and pencils.

Every Tues.: 2:30-4:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

28 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Open Studio

28 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

Film Screening: State of Aloha

28 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Interpretive Programs

28 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Join staff to explore different topics on Native cultures through a variety of engaging and interactive programs. Stop by the museum's Welcome Center for more information.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun.: 11 AM-12 Noon
Most Tues. and Thurs.: 3-4 PM

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

28 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

28 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

28 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

28 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

28 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

Is This Art? - Guided Looking

28 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 18.00 – 19.00

Baffled by a lot of contemporary art? Feel like you don’t “get it”? Join us for a new series of gallery talks focused solely on modern and contemporary art. Guided Looking is facilitated by a museum staff member. Open Discussion encourages free-flowing conversation and debate.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

29 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

29 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Ride Simulators

29 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

29 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

29 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

29 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

29 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

29 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tours

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Hok-Noth-Da Story Time for Families

29 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 11.15 – 12.00

(for ages 4-8) People in all cultures have always told stories as a way to teach children. Come hear a Native staff member read stories by or about people from different Native communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. "Hok-noth-da" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun. and Wed.: 11:15 AM-12 Noon

Note
- Subject to staff availability.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Live Tarantula Feedings

29 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

29 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

29 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Discovery Room

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00 – 14.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Ask an Expert Lecture Series

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.15

In this lecture series, a museum staff member talks about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the museum. For today's topic and speaker, visit the museum's website.

Year-Round:

Most Wed.: 12 Noon-12:15 PM

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Nam June Paik: Global Visionary

29 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.30

The artwork and ideas of the Korean-born artist Nam June Paik were a major influence on late twentieth-century art and continue to inspire a new generation of artists. Nam June Paik: Global Visionary offers an unprecedented view into the artist’s creative method by featuring key artworks that convey Paik’s extraordinary accomplishments as a major international artist as well as material drawn from the Nam June Paik Archive, which was acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum from the artist’s estate in 2009.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

29 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

29 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

29 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Museum Highlights Tour in Japanese

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a tour of museum highlights in Japanese.

The Scientist Is In: The Sant Ocean Hall

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00 – 15.00

An ocean scientist stationed within the exhibition shows collection specimens or artifacts (including some under the microscope and/or shown on a monitor) and talks with visitors about travels to various locations, field studies, collection of specimens, new discoveries, favorite topics of study, and more.

Year-Round:

Most Wed: 1 PM

Note
- On the third Wednesday of each month, a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) scientist is in the exhibition to talk with visitors.

Highlights Tours

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour

29 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the plants in the Victorian-style embroidered parterre, the Asian-inspired moongate garden, and the Moorish-inspired fountain garden that comprise the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

May 1-September 25, 2012:

Every Wednesday: 1 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Highlights Tours

29 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

29 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

29 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Hands-On Family Craft Activities

29 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about Native cultures through a a variety of hands-on activities, then make something to take home with you.

Through August 2013:
• Most Wed. and Sat.: 1:30-3:30 PM

Highlights of the American Art Museum

29 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

29 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

29 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

29 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Flag Folding

29 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

29 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Open Studio

29 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

Behind-the-Scenes Introduction to the Lunder Conservation Center

29 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.30

The Lunder Conservation Center is a special facility of several laboratories shared by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery where visitors can watch behind glass walls conservators examining, treating, and preserving artwork.

Today, in this behind-the-scenes introduction to the Lunder Conservation Center, learn how museum conservators use science, art history, and skilled hands to preserve objects in both museums' collections.

Year-Round:
• Most Wed.: 3-3:30 PM

Entry Procedures:
• Please register at the Luce Foundation Center information desk (3rd floor, west wing, mezzanine) before 3 PM on the day of the program. Participants also meet here.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

29 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30;
Most Mondays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

29 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

29 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

29 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

29 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

29 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

National Portrait Gallery Pop Quiz: Hometown Heroes: D.C.’s Best and Brightest

29 May 2013 22:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 18.30

Join us for a trivia night and happy hour featuring some of the famous sons and daughters of the District of Columbia. The top-scoring team receives a prize at the end of the evening.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the Courtyard Cafe.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

30 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Ride Simulators

30 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

30 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

30 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

30 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

30 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

30 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tours

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

30 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.00

CANCELED: Film Screening: State of Aloha

30 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Live Tarantula Feedings

30 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

30 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

30 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Discovery Room

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00 – 14.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

CANCELED - Book Signings: Col. Wolfgang Samuel

30 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.00 – 17.00

Highlights of the American Art Museum

30 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

30 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

30 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00 – 17.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

Highlights Tours

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Family Program

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.30

Learn about Native cultures through a a variety of hands-on activities, including stories, discovery boxes, family tours, or a teaching cart.

Through May 2013:

Most Sat.: 10:30 AM-12 Noon
Most Tues. and Thurs.: 1-2:30 PM

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

30 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Highlights Tours

30 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

30 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

30 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about the more than 3,300 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Year-Round:

Thurs. through Sun.: 1:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

30 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

30 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

30 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

30 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Flag Folding

30 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

30 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Open Studio

30 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

CANCELED: Film Screening: State of Aloha

30 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.00

(2009, 78 min., USA)
Directed by Anne Misawa

Featuring a broad range of interviews, including the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, this documentary not only gives voice to the people living in Hawai’i today, but also lays out the complicated history of this once-sovereign nation prior to the overthrow of its Queen and the annexation of its land by American interests.

To watch the film's trailer, click here.

Interpretive Programs

30 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Join staff to explore different topics on Native cultures through a variety of engaging and interactive programs. Stop by the museum's Welcome Center for more information.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun.: 11 AM-12 Noon
Most Tues. and Thurs.: 3-4 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

30 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

30 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

30 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

30 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

30 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

31 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

31 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

31 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

31 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

31 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

31 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

31 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

31 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Discovery Room

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30 – 14.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:

Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM

Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Highlights Tours

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

31 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 11.00

Live Tarantula Feedings

31 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

31 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

31 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Interpretive Tours: Context of Objects in a Museum Setting

31 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.00

Look for our volunteer who gives a tour focused on artifacts and specimens on display and encourages discussion about their context in the museum setting.

November 9, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Fri.: 12 Noon and 2:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

31 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Public Observatory Project (12 Noon-3 PM)

31 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

Through May 2013:
• Most Wed. through Sun.: 12 Noon-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

31 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Friday Gallery Talk: Joseph Cornell

31 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.30 – 13.00

Robert Lehrman talks about Joseph Cornell in the related exhibition.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

31 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

31 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00 – 17.00

(for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to solve cases, identify people from the past, and
draw conclusions about their lives.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

Highlights Tours

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Open Studio Fridays

31 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

Join us on Friday afternoons for some creative fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different art material each week.

Highlights Tours

31 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

September 4, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Live Tarantula Feedings

31 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

31 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about the more than 3,300 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Year-Round:

Thurs. through Sun.: 1:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

31 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights Tour

31 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 13.30 – 14.30

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun., Mon., and Fri.: 1:30-2:30 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

31 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

31 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

31 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 2 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

31 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Interpretive Tours: Context of Objects in a Museum Setting

31 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.30

Look for our volunteer who gives a tour focused on artifacts and specimens on display and encourages discussion about their context in the museum setting.

November 9, 2012-May 31, 2013:

Most Fri.: 12 Noon and 2:30 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- No tours on most federal holidays.

Flag Folding

31 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

HOT (Human Origins Today) Topic: Dialogue on the relationship between scientific and religious perspectives on human evolution

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Come join our informal discussion on the science-religion interface.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 2 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Open Studio

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Interpreter's Choice Tour

31 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Cultural interpreters lead tours showcasing their favorite highlights of the museum.

Through May 2013:

Most Sun. and Fri.: 3-4 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

31 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays- Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

31 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

31 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

31 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

May 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

CANCELED - ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

31 May 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

Luce Unplugged Community Showcase

31 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 18.00 – 20.30

Join us for a special Luce Unplugged Community Showcase. Visitors can explore the center’s thousands of art works while listening to sets by local bands America Hearts, Lyriciss, and More Humans, selected with the help of City Paper’s managing editor, Jonathan L. Fischer.

A cash bar will offer samples of new beers and local brewery Port City Brewing will offer free tastings from 6 to 7 p.m. to visitors twenty-one and older. Snacks and other beverages are available to all for purchase.

Image: America Hearts; Lyriciss; More Humans (Bryan Johns)

Smithsonian Sleepovers

31 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Friday, 31 May 2013, 19.00

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 12) Go on an interactive exploration of the museum, participate in hands-on crafts projects, and view the IMAX film Born to be Wild. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

View more details

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

01 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

01 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

The Future is Here Conference

01 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 09.30

Join world-renowned experts for entertaining presentations on the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math. Featured speakers include Suzan Murray, John Mather, Nick Pyenson, Maria Klawe, and Bob Ballard.

Participants should use the Maryland Ave. entrance of the National Museum of the American Indian.

View more details

Mini-Urban Challenge

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

During this national championship of the Mini-Urban Challenge competition, teams of high school students use LEGO Mindstorms kits to design and operate an autonomous "car" to successfully navigate through a mini city.

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) Workshop: World of Wonder

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 12.00

(for ages 4-6 with adult) Children embark on a journey around the Smithsonian, stopping each week at a new destination. From Africa to ancient China, participants examine objects from all over the world and participate in activities that enhance their understanding of that culture.

Family Day: Explore the Universe: Everybody Looks Up!

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 15.00

Everyone looks up! People around the world have always looked to the sky, but they don’t always see the same things. Learn how different people study the sky and hear their stories.

Ride Simulators

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

The Pueblo Culture Takes Root in the American Southwest

01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.00

When maize first sprouted around 4,000 years ago in the Southwest, the grain provided the basis for an astonishing and thriving Native American culture. Spend a fascinating day learning from a variety of experts how domesticated food production gave rise to the achievements of Pueblo technology, society, and architecture.

View more details

Butterfly Pavilion

01 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

01 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Story Time at Anacostia Neighborhood Library

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 12.00

(for ages early childhood to 8 years old with parents) Join us for a wonderful Saturday morning program. Following the reading of a book and discussion with a community leader, children participate in an arts activity with visual artist Tamara Thomas.

Discovery Room

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Through September 1, 2013:
• Tues.- Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Family Program

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 12.00

Learn about Native cultures through a variety of hands-on activities, including stories, discovery boxes, family tours, or a teaching cart.

Through June-August 2013:

Most Tues., Thurs., and Sat.: 10:30 AM-12 Noon

Castle Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 10.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signing: Buzz Aldrin

01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 14.00

Buzz Aldrin signs copies of his book Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docents who will give a tour of the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

Public Observatory Project (11 AM-3 PM)

01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

June 2013:
• Most Tues. through Sun.: 11 AM-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Live Tarantula Feedings

01 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

01 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

01 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Book Signing: Capt. W. Stewart (Bud) Orr and Fran E. Orr

01 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Capt. W. Stewart (Bud) Orr (US Navy, Ret.) and Fran E. Orr sign copies of their book Love at First Flight: Adventures, Exploits, Sacrifices, Risks, and Rewards.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

01 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

01 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Live Tarantula Feedings

01 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

01 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

01 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Weaving Workshop

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

(for ages 14 and up) Learn how to weave with natural and recycled materials.

Portrait Story Days: Theodore Geisel – Dr. Seuss

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

(for ages 5 and up with adult) Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about children’s author Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss, 1904-1991) and create a short story of your own.

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) Workshop: World of Wonder

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 15.00

(for ages 6-8 with adult) Children embark on a journey around the Smithsonian, stopping each week at a new destination. From Africa to ancient China, participants examine objects from all over the world and participate in activities that enhance their understanding of that culture.

Highlights Tours

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Portrait Discovery Kit Activity

01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 16.00

(for families with children ages 5 and up) Are you looking for a new way to visit the National Portrait Gallery with family and friends? Borrow a Portrait Discovery Kit – a self-guided, interactive, and imaginative way to learn more about the "sitters" (people in the portraits) and their contributions to American history. The kit includes seek-and-find cards, self-portrait pads, portrait detective and historian guides, and a compare-and-contrast activity using a doll. A museum educator explains how to use the kit before sending you to explore the galleries.

Image: Martin Luther King, Jr. / Boris Chaliapin / Watercolor and pencil on board, 1957

Luce Artist Talk with Victoria Fu

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30

Local artists discuss a work in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection and why it resonates with them. Free coffee or tea available.

Local artist Victoria Fu explores time and memory in her work. Hear her speak about her art, which ranges from drawings to still and moving images, and how it connects to works on view in the Luce Foundation Center.

Live Tarantula Feedings

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

Japanese Language Tour of The Sant Ocean Hall

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteer Ai Nonaka will give a Japanese language tour of the exhibition. Look for her in front of the Information Desk in the Rotunda.

Note
- Tours subject to volunteer availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Hands-On Family Craft Activities

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about Native cultures through a a variety of hands-on activities, then make something to take home with you.

Through August 2013:
• Most Wed. and Sat.: 1:30-3:30 PM

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

01 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

For the Love of . . . Dance

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00

Howard University Dancers and Theatre Ensemble celebrates traditional and contemporary dance with a versatile exploration of various dance forms.

Author Talk and Book Signing: Thomas Mallon

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00

Acclaimed historical novelist Thomas Mallon discusses his book Watergate: A Novel. Book signing follows.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docents known as the Sant Ocean Hall Navigators who will give a tour of the the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ImaginAsia: Beautifully Bound

01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.00

Learn about the exhibition Hand-Held: The Gerhard Pulverer Collection of Japanese Illustrated Books with help from an activity guide. Then, create your own Japanese book. Choose copies of folios from the Pulverer collection that feature scenes of springtime and cherry blossoms. Use elegant handmade papers for your cover and tanzaku slips for your title, and then bind them together with a traditional Japanese sewing technique.

Flag Folding

01 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

The Future is Here Conference

01 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 14.30

Join world-renowned experts for entertaining presentations on the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math. Featured speakers include Kirk Johnson, Elizabeth Cottrell, Justin Kasper, Buzz Aldrin, and Thomas Dolby.

View more details

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

01 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

01 Jun 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 15.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

01 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

01 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

01 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

01 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 16.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Your Ticket to the Universe

01 Jun 2013 22:30:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 18.30

6:30 PM: Film: Hubble 3D
7:30 PM: Lecture: Have you ever been curious about the wonders of the universe but didn't know where to start? Space is a fascinating topic for people of all ages, but it can also seem overwhelming. Many of us consult a travel guide when we take a trip to an unknown land, and the same can be done for the cosmos. Kimberly Arcand and Megan Watzke, authors of a recently released guide to the universe, orient you about what you need to know before setting off on a trip into the solar system and well beyond, for the beginner as well as the savvy cosmic traveler. Enjoy a backstage pass to some of the most exciting events that our universe has to offer. Book signing follows.

Stargazing at the Public Observatory

02 Jun 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday, 1 Jun 2013, 21.00 – 22.00

(weather permitting) The museum’s Public Observatory is open for special nighttime stargazing. Don't miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects through a powerful professional telescope.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

02 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

02 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Special Members' Behind-the-Scenes Castle Tour

02 Jun 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 09.45

Have you ever wondered about the history of the Smithsonian? Our members often do. Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. There’s more! As a member, you will be led through some of our celebrated spaces that are not offered on the public tour, including the historic library, Regents’ Room, and Secretary’s Parlor! Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sun.: 9:45 AM

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Digital Camera Basics

02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.00

This hands-on digital media workshop covers topics such as obtaining a good exposure; making exposure adjustments on an image; controlling color and tone as files are captured; understanding resolution, picture quality, and file formats such as JPEG and RAW; transferring files to the computer; and organizing files with a browser.

View more details

Butterfly Pavilion

02 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

02 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Smithsonian-Inspired Photography: Public Sculpture and Architecture on the Mall 5-Session Weekend Course

02 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.15

With public sculpture that ranges from classical to abstract and architectural styles from gothic to contemporary, the Smithsonian is an ideal location for photographers. Hone your technique and your eye in classroom sessions and shooting excursions to a variety of museums and sites on the Mall.

View more details

Discovery Room

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Through September 1, 2013:
• Tues.- Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Castle Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 10.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

02 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docents who will give a tour of the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Public Observatory Project (11 AM-3 PM)

02 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

June 2013:
• Most Tues. through Sun.: 11 AM-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Hok-Noth-Da Story Time for Families

02 Jun 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.15 – 11.45

(for ages 4-8) People in all cultures have always told stories as a way to teach children. Come hear a Native staff member read stories by or about people from different Native communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. "Hok-noth-da" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Wed., and Fri: 11:15-11:45 AM

Note
- Subject to staff availability.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Live Tarantula Feedings

02 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

02 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

02 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Live Tarantula Feedings

02 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 12.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

02 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

02 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Highlights Tours

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Live Tarantula Feedings

02 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

02 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about the more than 3,000 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Year-Round:
• Friday through Sunday: 1:30 PM

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

02 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 13.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Portrait Story Days: Theodore Geisel – Dr. Seuss

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 17.00

(for ages 5 and up with adult) Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about children’s author Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss, 1904-1991) and create a short story of your own.

James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Lecture with Andy Paiko

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00

Andy Paiko, who founded the Central Coast Glass Artists’ Studio, explains how he creates with glass, and continues to explore new methods of coloration, patterning, and form, in everything from vessels and assembled sculpture to installation and custom design. Before and after the program watch local spinner Anne O’Connor operate Paiko’s Spinning Wheel in the gallery.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docents known as the Sant Ocean Hall Navigators who will give a tour of the the related exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

ImaginAsia: Beautifully Bound

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00

Learn about the exhibition Hand-Held: The Gerhard Pulverer Collection of Japanese Illustrated Books with help from an activity guide. Then, create your own Japanese book. Choose copies of folios from the Pulverer collection that feature scenes of springtime and cherry blossoms. Use elegant handmade papers for your cover and tanzaku slips for your title, and then bind them together with a traditional Japanese sewing technique.

Highlights Tour

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 15.00

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 2-3 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Portrait Discovery Kit Activity

02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 17.00

(for families with children ages 5 and up) Are you looking for a new way to visit the National Portrait Gallery with family and friends? Borrow a Portrait Discovery Kit – a self-guided, interactive, and imaginative way to learn more about the "sitters" (people in the portraits) and their contributions to American history. The kit includes seek-and-find cards, self-portrait pads, portrait detective and historian guides, and a compare-and-contrast activity using a doll. A museum educator explains how to use the kit before sending you to explore the galleries.

Image: Martin Luther King, Jr. / Boris Chaliapin / Watercolor and pencil on board, 1957

Interactive Cart: Dolls

02 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Learn how dolls have served as both toys and teaching tools for Native communities.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Tues., and Fri.: 3-4 PM

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

02 Jun 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 15.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Special Exhibitions Highlights Tour of the American Art Museum

02 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 16.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the special exhibition, Nam June Paik: Global Visionary.

Year-Round:
Special Exhibition Tours of the American Art Museum
• Most Sundays at 4 p.m.

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

02 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

02 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Sunday, 2 Jun 2013, 16.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

03 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Ride Simulators

03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Moth Matters Mondays

03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 12.00

Using digital interactives in conjunction with live specimens, visitors will learn with our educated staff all about the fascinating features of various species of moths, such as Atlas Moths and Sphinx moths!

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 13.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

03 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

03 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Conversation Table

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 14.00

Feel free to stop by and ask questions, or strike a conversation with a museum volunteer!

Note
- Conversation Table subject to volunteer availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

03 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

03 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tours

03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Highlights of the American Art Museum

03 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

03 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

03 Jun 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

ARTLAB+: Open Studio

03 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

(ages 13-19) Open Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to explore the ArtLab space and direct their own experience and learning. Video games, laptop stations, socializing, etc., are encouraged activities during Open Studio.

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For local teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

03 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

03 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

03 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

03 Jun 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

(ages 13-19) Artist Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to think critically about the media they consume and produce, build their technical skills, and produce meaningful projects. Each day of the week, Mentors offer a different focus:

Monday: invention, construction, and sculptural installation
Tuesday: graphic design and photography production
Wednesday: character design and animation
Thursday: music, video, and sound production
Friday: 3D software and 3D animation

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

The Golden Age of Finnish Art and Architecture

03 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Monday, 3 Jun 2013, 19.00

Get a rare look inside the Finnish ambassador’s elegant residence at an evening focused on her nation’s creative legacy. View works by Finnish artists and hear art historian Karin Alexis speak about art and architectural masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries.

View more details

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

04 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

04 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Conservation Clinic: Lunder Conservation Center

04 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 11.00

The Lunder Conservation Center is a special facility of several laboratories shared by the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum where conservators examine, treat, and preserve artwork.

Do you have questions about the condition of a portrait, painting, or drawing that you own? Museum conservators are available during a conservation clinic to discuss with you the condition and preservation of your art.

Year-Round:

1st Tues. of every month: 9-11 AM, by appointment

For location and to schedule an appointment, call Lou Molnar 202-633-5822 or email molnarl@si.edu and specify "CLINIC" in the subject line.

On the Water

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 11.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Ride Simulators

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

National Air and Space Museum Garden Tour

04 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the plants in the National Air and Space Museum gardens and answers questions about gardening in the mid-Atlantic region.

May 7-September 24, 2013:

Every Tuesday: 10 AM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Butterfly Pavilion

04 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

04 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Discovery Room

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Through September 1, 2013:
• Tues.- Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Live Tarantula Feedings

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Family Program

04 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 12.00

Learn about Native cultures through a variety of hands-on activities, including stories, discovery boxes, family tours, or a teaching cart.

Through June-August 2013:

Most Tues., Thurs., and Sat.: 10:30 AM-12 Noon

Public Observatory Project (11 AM-3 PM)

04 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

June 2013:
• Most Tues. through Sun.: 11 AM-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

04 Jun 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.15

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Live Tarantula Feedings

04 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

04 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

04 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Venice Biennale: Trends in International Art

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30

Art professionals discuss this year’s 55th Venice Biennale theme, The Encyclopedic Palace, which evokes self-taught Italian American artist Marino Auriti and the patent he filed in 1955 for an imaginary museum meant to house all worldly knowledge.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 14.00

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

04 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tours

04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

04 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Live Tarantula Feedings

04 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

04 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

04 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

04 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

04 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights Tour

04 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 15.00

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 2-3 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Mary Livingston Ripley Garden Tour

04 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the more than 200 varieties of plants arrayed in hanging baskets, borders, and raised serpentine beds in the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden.

May 7-September 24, 2013:

Every Tuesday: 2 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

04 Jun 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Sketching: Draw and Discover: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

04 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 14.30 – 16.30

Join a discussion about artists' sketches, then spend time sketching some of the more than 3,300 artworks on display in the Luce Foundation Center. Bring a small sketchbook and pencils.

Every Tues.: 2:30-4:30 PM

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

04 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

04 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 16.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Open Studio

04 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

(ages 13-19) Open Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to explore the ArtLab space and direct their own experience and learning. Video games, laptop stations, socializing, etc., are encouraged activities during Open Studio.

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For local teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Interactive Cart: Dolls

04 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 16.00

Learn how dolls have served as both toys and teaching tools for Native communities.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Tues., and Fri.: 3-4 PM

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

04 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

04 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

04 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

04 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

04 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

04 Jun 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

(ages 13-19) Artist Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to think critically about the media they consume and produce, build their technical skills, and produce meaningful projects. Each day of the week, Mentors offer a different focus:

Monday: invention, construction, and sculptural installation
Tuesday: graphic design and photography production
Wednesday: character design and animation
Thursday: music, video, and sound production
Friday: 3D software and 3D animation

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Nam June Paik: Global Visionary—Gallery Talk

04 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 18.00 – 19.00

Join associate curator Michael Mansfield for a walk through the Nam June Paik: Global Visionary exhibition and an expert view into the artist’s creative method.

Paine v. Chalmers: Was Declaring Independence Common Sense?

04 Jun 2013 22:45:00 GMT

Tuesday, 4 Jun 2013, 18.45

Colonists yearn for independence from a far-off empire. Loyalists see nothing but folly in the scheme. Can divisions be bridged and a new nation created? Get ready for some interactive time travelling to hear Thomas Paine and James Chalmers debate critical issues that faced 18th-century leaders—and then choose the winner.

View more details

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Conservation Clinic

05 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 09.00

Have questions about the condition of a painting, frame, drawing, print or object that you own? Our conservators are available by appointment to consult with you about the preservation of your art.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

05 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

On the Water

05 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 11.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Ride Simulators

05 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

05 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

05 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

05 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

05 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

05 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Discovery Room

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Through September 1, 2013:
• Tues.- Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Live Tarantula Feedings

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Public Observatory Project (11 AM-3 PM)

05 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

June 2013:
• Most Tues. through Sun.: 11 AM-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Interpreter's Choice Tour

05 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 12.00

Cultural interpreters lead tours showcasing their favorite highlights of the museum and discuss Native culture, history, and current events.

Through June-August 2013:

Most Wed and Fri.: 11 AM-12 Noon

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Hok-Noth-Da Story Time for Families

05 Jun 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.15 – 11.45

(for ages 4-8) People in all cultures have always told stories as a way to teach children. Come hear a Native staff member read stories by or about people from different Native communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. "Hok-noth-da" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Wed., and Fri: 11:15-11:45 AM

Note
- Subject to staff availability.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Live Tarantula Feedings

05 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

05 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

05 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Africa in Reel Time: Soul Power

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00

(2008, 92 min, directed by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte) Featuring James Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Celia Cruz, the film documents the legendary 1974 music concert in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Ask an Expert Lecture Series

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 12.15

In this lecture series, a museum staff member talks about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the museum. For today's topic and speaker, visit the museum's website.

Year-Round:

Most Wed.: 12 Noon-12:15 PM

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

05 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

05 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

05 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 14.00

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

05 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

05 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

The Scientist Is In: The Sant Ocean Hall

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 15.00

An ocean scientist stationed within the exhibition shows collection specimens or artifacts (including some under the microscope and/or shown on a monitor) and talks with visitors about travels to various locations, field studies, collection of specimens, new discoveries, favorite topics of study, and more.

Year-Round:

Most Wed: 1 PM

Note
- On the third Wednesday of each month, a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) scientist is in the exhibition to talk with visitors.

Highlights Tours

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963.

Through September 15, 2013:

Most Tuesdays: 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM
Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
4th Thursday of most months: 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM
Every other Friday: 1 PM, 3 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour

05 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the plants in the Victorian-style embroidered parterre, the Asian-inspired moongate garden, and the Moorish-inspired fountain garden that comprise the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

May 1-September 25, 2012:

Every Wednesday: 1 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Live Tarantula Feedings

05 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

05 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Hands-On Family Craft Activities

05 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 15.30

Learn about Native cultures through a a variety of hands-on activities, then make something to take home with you.

Through August 2013:
• Most Wed. and Sat.: 1:30-3:30 PM

Highlights of the American Art Museum

05 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

05 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

05 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

05 Jun 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Flag Folding

05 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

05 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

05 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 16.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Open Studio

05 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

(ages 13-19) Open Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to explore the ArtLab space and direct their own experience and learning. Video games, laptop stations, socializing, etc., are encouraged activities during Open Studio.

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For local teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Behind-the-Scenes Introduction to the Lunder Conservation Center

05 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 15.30

The Lunder Conservation Center is a special facility of several laboratories shared by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery where visitors can watch behind glass walls conservators examining, treating, and preserving artwork.

Today, in this behind-the-scenes introduction to the Lunder Conservation Center, learn how museum conservators use science, art history, and skilled hands to preserve objects in both museums' collections.

Year-Round:
• Most Wed.: 3-3:30 PM

Entry Procedures:
• Please register at the Luce Foundation Center information desk (3rd floor, west wing, mezzanine) before 3 PM on the day of the program. Participants also meet here.

Women in Science Career Panel

05 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 17.00

This event will feature six women representing a variety of backgrounds and experiences, coming together to discuss what it’s like to work at the National Zoo.

Participants will hear from women in the fields of zoo keeping, research, veterinary medicine and biology about the challenges and rewards of working alongside amazing animals every day. Following the initial question and answer session, students will have the opportunity to talk with panel members in a small group setting.

Girls in grades six through ten and their parents, guardians or chaperones are invited to attend this event. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the link below.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation e-mail and a short survey to be completed by students prior to attending the panel.

We look forward to you joining us for an afternoon of discussion!

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

05 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

05 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

05 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

05 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

05 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

05 Jun 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

(ages 13-19) Artist Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to think critically about the media they consume and produce, build their technical skills, and produce meaningful projects. Each day of the week, Mentors offer a different focus:

Monday: invention, construction, and sculptural installation
Tuesday: graphic design and photography production
Wednesday: character design and animation
Thursday: music, video, and sound production
Friday: 3D software and 3D animation

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Jeff Shaara on the Battle of Vicksburg: A Siege for the Ages

05 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, 5 Jun 2013, 19.00

The spring of 1863 found the strategic city of Vicksburg on the Mississippi under attack from Grant’s forces, leading to a six-week trial by siege, starvation, and devastation that led to its ultimate surrender. Author Jeff Shaara brings the stories of both soldiers and civilians to vivid life.

View more details

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

06 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

On the Water

06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 11.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Ride Simulators

06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.00

Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round
Daily: Open same hours as museum

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.00

Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.)
Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult.
Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.)
Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall.

Year-Round:
Daily: Open same hours as museum

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.00 – 17.00

Play an interactive skateboarding video game inspired by the sport’s popularity among Native youth. Test yourself at an interactive quiz show about Native American history and culture. Explore kid-friendly replicas of traditional Native homes, including an Amazonian stilt house adorned with photos by indigenous youth from the region. Learn about the diversity of tribal music with a variety of percussion instruments and try to match the rhythm and style of play at a playback station.

Butterfly Pavilion

06 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.15

Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Regular Hours:

Daily: 10:15 AM-5:30 PM; last timed ticket at 5 PM.

Extended Hours through September 1, 2013:

Call 1-877-932-4629 (toll-free) or 202-633-4629.

Highlights Tours

06 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Whale Research at the Smithsonian – Past, Present, and Future

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 17.00

The Smithsonian has studied whales since the 1850s, building collections that are unmatched in the world and yielding insights into these enigmatic species. Today, R. Ewan Fordyce (University of Otago, New Zealand), D. Graham Burnett (Princeton University), Steven Godfrey (Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Maryland), and Nick Pyenson (National Museum of Natural History) discuss the origins of this legacy, its scientific value, and its future.

Discovery Room

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.30

The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions.

Entry Procedures:
• Individuals:
- For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Through September 1, 2013:
• Tues.- Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Live Tarantula Feedings

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 10.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Interactive Carts (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

(for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did.

Year-Round:
• Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Note
- Activity subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Spotlight Tours (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 15.00

Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM

Notes
- Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Family Program

06 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 10.30 – 12.00

Learn about Native cultures through a variety of hands-on activities, including stories, discovery boxes, family tours, or a teaching cart.

Through June-August 2013:

Most Tues., Thurs., and Sat.: 10:30 AM-12 Noon

Historic Theater: Time Trial of John Brown

06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 11.20

(for all ages) Join the jury as the public deliberates on John Brown’s contested legacy. Meet the man who committed his life to ending slavery…and used violent tactics to do it. How should history remember this disputed figure? When History is on trial, only Time can be the judge.

June 2013:

Most Thursdays-Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.00

Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's website at airandspace.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM
Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

Public Observatory Project (11 AM-3 PM)

06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.00 – 15.00

(for all ages) Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.

June 2013:
• Most Tues. through Sun.: 11 AM-3 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours may change monthly.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”

06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.00

Follow the real-life stories of 7 young men and women whose lives were forever changed by the events of World War II. Denied their fundamental rights, each of them, in his or her own way, chose to fight for equality, freedom, and justice overseas and at home. Their compelling stories connect powerfully to current debates about immigration, citizenship, and civil rights in America. Discussion with the audience follows.

Live Tarantula Feedings

06 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

06 Jun 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.30 – 11.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

06 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 11.45

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

The Scientist Is In: The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins

06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 14.00

Scientists stationed within the exhibition discuss their work, show collection objects and specimens, and answer visitors' questions about human origins.

Year-Round:

1st and 3rd Thursday of the month: 12 Noon-2 PM

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 12.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Hirshhorn Museum Spotlight Tours (12 Noon-4 PM)

06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.00 – 16.00

Our friendly docents are stationed at the information desk for a casual conversation or an impromptu 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Mon.-Fri.: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.00

This highlights tour of the collection at the Renwick Gallery may include highlights of the temporary exhibitions.

Notes
- No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- No tours on federal holidays.
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 12.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 14.00

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.30 – 15.30

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 12.30

Look for our friendly docent who gives a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most Mon.-Thurs.: 12:30 PM
• Most Fri.: 3 PM

Note
- No tours on federal holidays.

Highlights Tours

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Historic Theater: Time Trial of John Brown

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00 – 13.20

(for all ages) Join the jury as the public deliberates on John Brown’s contested legacy. Meet the man who committed his life to ending slavery…and used violent tactics to do it. How should history remember this disputed figure? When History is on trial, only Time can be the judge.

June 2013:

Most Thursdays-Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Self-Guided Highlights Tours
- Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum.
- A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF)

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:

Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Heirloom Garden Tour

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the many types plants in the Heirloom Garden that have been passed down from generation to generation and that were cultivated in American gardens prior to 1950.

June 6 through September 19, 2013:

Every other Thursday: 1 PM, weather permitting
(alternating with Victory Garden tours)

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

National Museum of the American Indian Garden Tour

06 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who discusses some of the native plants in the National Museum of the American Indian Native landscape gardens and answers questions about gardening with native plants.

June 6-September 26, 2013:

Every Thursday: 1 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Live Tarantula Feedings

06 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.30

Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo.

Year-Round:

Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM

Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM

Note
- Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

06 Jun 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 13.30 – 13.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights of the American Art Museum

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM

Notes
- No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 14.20

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Highlights Tour

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00 – 15.00

Join a cultural interpreter for a general overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest.

June through August 2013:

Most Sun., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 2-3 PM

Note
- Subject to cultural interpreter availability.

Butterfly Habitat Garden Tour

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00

Join our knowledgeable horticulturist, who gives discusses some of the plants in the four habitats of the Butterfly Garden: wetlands, meadow, wood's edge, and backyard. Pick up some tips for attracting butterflies to your own garden.

June 6-September 26, 2013:

Every Thursday: 2 PM, weather permitting

Note
- No tours on federal holidays

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”

06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.00

Follow the real-life stories of 7 young men and women whose lives were forever changed by the events of World War II. Denied their fundamental rights, each of them, in his or her own way, chose to fight for equality, freedom, and justice overseas and at home. Their compelling stories connect powerfully to current debates about immigration, citizenship, and civil rights in America. Discussion with the audience follows.

Highlights of the Portrait Gallery

06 Jun 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.15

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM

Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.

Flag Folding

06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Learn to fold a full-size replica of the 30x42-foot Star-Spangled Banner in Flag Hall. Get a sense of the true size of the flag that Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry when he wrote our National Anthem.

May 2013:

Most Wednesdays-Saturdays at 2:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Time Trial of John Brown

06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 14.30 – 14.50

(for all ages) Join the jury as the public deliberates on John Brown’s contested legacy. Meet the man who committed his life to ending slavery…and used violent tactics to do it. How should history remember this disputed figure? When History is on trial, only Time can be the judge.

June 2013:

Most Thursdays-Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

06 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 15.20

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

On the Water

06 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 16.30

(for all ages) This program will highlight the history and people that lived the experience of the Middle Passage and explore the research that the Smithsonian is currently doing in recovering these stories. Visitors will be engaged by a hands-on environment of the of early 19th century American maritime material culture—specifically, the material culture that helped anti-slavers identify slave carrying ships—and connect this with the stories of those people who would have lived this experience. Additionally, the cart will showcase the research that curators at the museum are doing, connecting the stories and tactics used by 19th century anti-slavers to the very similar methods employed by Smithsonian researchers to find slave ships today.

June, July, August 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays at 10:00, 12:30, and 3:00
No programs July 4
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Open Studio

06 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.00 – 17.00

(ages 13-19) Open Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to explore the ArtLab space and direct their own experience and learning. Video games, laptop stations, socializing, etc., are encouraged activities during Open Studio.

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For local teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

06 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813. Help her assemble the huge garrison flag and learn about its history. These 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Sundays - Thursdays at 10:30, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

06 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.30 – 15.50

(for all ages) Meet Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn about life at the Smithsonian during the Civil War and interact with the man who shaped this national institution from 1846-1878.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Docent's Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery

06 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 15.30

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view.

Year-Round:

Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM

Historic Theater: Time Trial of John Brown

06 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 16.20

(for all ages) Join the jury as the public deliberates on John Brown’s contested legacy. Meet the man who committed his life to ending slavery…and used violent tactics to do it. How should history remember this disputed figure? When History is on trial, only Time can be the judge.

June 2013:

Most Thursdays-Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

06 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 16.00 – 19.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”

06 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 16.00

Follow the real-life stories of 7 young men and women whose lives were forever changed by the events of World War II. Denied their fundamental rights, each of them, in his or her own way, chose to fight for equality, freedom, and justice overseas and at home. Their compelling stories connect powerfully to current debates about immigration, citizenship, and civil rights in America. Discussion with the audience follows.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

06 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 16.30 – 16.50

(for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

June 2013:

Most Tuesdays-Sundays at 11:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30
Please check listings for the day of your visit.

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

06 Jun 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 17.00 – 19.00

(ages 13-19) Artist Studio is open to local teens. This time allows teens to think critically about the media they consume and produce, build their technical skills, and produce meaningful projects. Each day of the week, Mentors offer a different focus:

Monday: invention, construction, and sculptural installation
Tuesday: graphic design and photography production
Wednesday: character design and animation
Thursday: music, video, and sound production
Friday: 3D software and 3D animation

Note: With limited space, priority is given to local DC/MD/VA teens. For teens new to the program, drop-in the ArtLab with a guardian to register in person. Be sure to bring a school ID or other ID for age verification.

Art Signs

06 Jun 2013 21:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 17.30

Art Signs programs are gallery talks in American Sign Language (ASL) for deaf visitors. Join us for a conversation presented by a volunteer ASL guide. For additional information on the program, email wilsoncl@si.edu.

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”

06 Jun 2013 22:30:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 18.30

Follow the real-life stories of 7 young men and women whose lives were forever changed by the events of World War II. Denied their fundamental rights, each of them, in his or her own way, chose to fight for equality, freedom, and justice overseas and at home. Their compelling stories connect powerfully to current debates about immigration, citizenship, and civil rights in America. Discussion with the audience follows.

Nabokov's Secrets

06 Jun 2013 22:45:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 18.45

Witty and enigmatic, Vladimir Nabokov’s produced some of the last century’s most celebrated and notorious fiction. Using newly declassified intelligence files and recovered military reports, author Andrea Pitzer argues that far from being an advocate of art for art's sake, Vladimir Nabokov managed to hide disturbing real-life history in his works.

View more details

Retelling Homer

06 Jun 2013 22:45:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 18.45

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey recount one of the epic tales of history, a timeless chronicle of war and passion, heroism and human folly, men and gods. Explore these classic works from the perspective of the latest scholarship and recent archaeological findings.

View more details

The Greatest Songs You've Never Heard

06 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 19.00

Recently digitized files from the Library of Congress were hiding lost treasures: charming songs from quickly vanished 1930s Hollywood and Broadway productions that went unheard for decades. Now, Three for a Song (pianist and musical archivist Alex Hassan and singers Douglas Bowles and Kari Paludan) have collected the best, polished them to a stylish period sheen, and are ready give these tunes the second chance they never got.

View more details

Pup Tense Film Series: The Breed

07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 20.00

(2006, directed by Nicholas Mastandrea) Don’t let the pedigree fool you: Nicholas Mastandrea’s first feature may have debuted at Cannes, but it’s purebred Rex-ploitation. This over-the-top gory story provides plenty of fodder for nightmares, as an idyllic, apparently deserted island proves host to a pack of snarly wags who’d like nothing better than to feast on human intruders. The feral peril is not for the faint of heart.

John H. Glenn Lecture: Space Exploration from Mercury to the Space Shuttle

07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday, 6 Jun 2013, 20.00

Former NASA astronaut Gen. Thomas P. Stafford flew twice during Project Gemini and commanded both Apollo 10 and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Sen. John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth in the Mercury-6 project and returned to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998. Join these legendary figures in space history as they reflect on their distinguished careers with museum director Gen. John R. “Jack” Dailey.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Note:
- For after-hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance.

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

Museum volunteer interpreters welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate exhibitions. Interpreters may be stationed in several of the following exhibitions at various times throughout the day, subject to interpreter availability:

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Sant Ocean Hall

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Albert Einstein Planetarium

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For information on Planetarium shows, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters and Einstein Planetarium website.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, show times, and prices, visit the IMAX Theaters website.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum.

Year-Round:
• Most days: Throughout the day; check at the museum's Welcome Desk for schedule

Note
- Hand-held translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.

Self-Guided Tour: Let’s Move! with Smithsonian Gardens

07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013

Explore Smithsonian Gardens through this scavenger hunt. Discover garden treasures while learning how gardening promotes healthy living. Follow directions found in the brochure or on signs in the gardens to text answers to the challenges or send us pictures of your exploration.

Part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens" initiative to educate families and communities about childhood fitness and healthy diet choices.

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

07 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013, 09.00 – 12.00

Experience a fun and unique way to learn about the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and the rich history of Washington, D.C. Short on time? Ask about our 1.5 hour tour.

Note: Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority; therefore, a product orientation is provided and a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour.

Castle Highlights Tour

07 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Friday, 7 Jun 2013, 09.30

Did you know that the Castle is the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building? Join us as one of our dynamic volunteer docents takes you on a tour to explore the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Come learn about the founding and early history of the Smithsonian; its original benefactor, James Smithson; and the incredible history and architecture of the Castle. Here is your opportunity to discover the treasured stories revealed within James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. We’ll see you at the Castle!

Year-Round:

Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sun.: 10:30 AM

Selected Tues.: Times as announced

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.