Smithsonian Events

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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

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

More info: www.si.edu…

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

Tuesday, May 21, 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

Tuesday, May 21, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

Tuesday, May 21, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

Tuesday, May 21, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

Orientation Film: Who We Are

Tuesday, May 21, 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

Tuesday, May 21, 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.

More info: www.gardens.si.edu…

Art of the Great Plains: Ledger Art and Activity

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

On your own, hands-on activity. Read a brief overview of Plains Indian ledger art, then create your own drawing on ledger paper using crayons, colored pencils, and stencils.

View ledger book from 1800s in our exhibition "Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian"

Monday - Saturday only.
10 AM – 5 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 4 – 7 pm

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.

More info: www.segway.com…

ARTLAB+: Artist Studio

Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 5 – 7 pm

(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.

More info: artlabplus.si.edu

Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture: Cold War Flight Testing

Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 7 pm

7 PM: Film: Fighter Pilot
8 PM: Lecture: Bud Anderson, one of the most decorated fighter pilots from World War II, still likes to talk airplanes and fly like a 19 year old. A veteran of 116 combat missions, Anderson has 16 ¼ victories and has logged over 7,500 flying hours in more than 130 types of aircraft. A Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, he is also the author of To Fly and Fight, described by a former Air Force historian as "the finest pilot memoir of World War II."
Book signing follows.

More info: airandspace.si.edu…

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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

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

More info: www.si.edu…

Natural History Museum Exhibition Interpreters/Navigators

Wednesday, May 22, 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

Wednesday, May 22, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

Wednesday, May 22, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

Wednesday, May 22, 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.

More info: www.si.edu…

Orientation Film: Who We Are

Wednesday, May 22, 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

Wednesday, May 22, 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.

More info: www.gardens.si.edu…

Art of the Great Plains: Ledger Art and Activity

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

On your own, hands-on activity. Read a brief overview of Plains Indian ledger art, then create your own drawing on ledger paper using crayons, colored pencils, and stencils.

View ledger book from 1800s in our exhibition "Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian"

Monday - Saturday only.
10 AM – 5 PM

Smithsonian Tours by Segway

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 9 am – 12 pm

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.

More info: www.segway.com…

Elephant Viewing

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 2 pm

(weather dependent) The Elephant House is closed while we build the elephants a new home. However, they are on view in their outdoor habitats from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daily, and can frequently be found out in their yard after that time.

Encounter Invertebrates

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 3 pm

Explore the complex and fascinating world of invertebrates: corals and crabs, ants and anemones, snails and spiders. Watch staff feeding the animals and ask them any questions you might have every 1/2 hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Great Cats Viewing

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 4 pm

The lions and tigers are on exhibit.

Small Mammal Enrichment

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 4 pm

Throughout the day, staff in the Small Mammal Exhibit introduce novel enrichmet items to residents of the Small mammal House. Be on the Lookout!

Ride Simulators

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am

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!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am

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

More info: airandspace.si.edu…

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am

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

More info: airandspace.si.edu…

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 5 pm

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.

More info: nmai.si.edu…

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Make a bookmark inspired by Native Hawaiian kapa designs

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10 am – 5 pm

Learn on your own about Native Hawaiian kapa (bark cloth). Stamp a bookmark using kapa inspired designs to take home.

Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm

Butterfly Pavilion

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:15 am

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.

More info: www.butterflies.si.edu

Highlights Tours

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:15 am

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.

*Lemur Feeding

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 – 10:50 am

Come out and see the Lemur feeding at Lemur Island and speak with a keeper!

Andean Bear Cub Viewing

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am – 12 pm

Each day around 10:30 a.m. the new bear cubs will be given timed access to the outside yards. Weather permitting*

Highlights Tours

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am

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.

More info: www.mnh.si.edu…

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 – 10:50 am

(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.

More info: www.youtube.com…

Historic Theater: Meet Joseph Henry

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 – 10:50 am

(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)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am – 3 pm

(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)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am – 3 pm

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am

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.

More info: airandspace.si.edu…

Exhibition Tour: Changing America

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 am

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.

More info: airandspace.si.edu…

Daily Screenings: Legends of Hawai’i

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:30 – 11:30 am

Pele Searches for a Home (2011, 25 min.) Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Pele, the primal force of volcanic heat and lava, leaves her ancient home of Kahiki and searches out a new home for herself and her family. Pursued by her eldest sister Namaka, the goddess of water and the sea, Pele travels across the Hawaiian islands. When Namaka finally catches up with Pele, who will win the epic battle? New York Premiere.

Why Maui Snared the Sun (2011, 20 min.) Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Kala (the sun) races across the sky as he pleases, leaving the land and its people with short days and long, dark nights. To set things right, Maui, son of the goddess Hina, travels to the highest summit of Haleakala and confronts the mighty Kala. New York Premiere.

Amazon Fish Feeding

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:15 am

Thousands of fish species live in the Amazon River Basin. Meet some of them during this feeding in Amazonia.

Bird Enrichment Demonstration

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:20 am

Watch birds forage and catch their food in mid-flight.

Elephant Training

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:20 am

Learn all about Asian elephants and how animal care staff work with these four-ton animals!

Meet a Kiwi

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:20 am

Meet this unique flightless bird from New Zealand. this demo will be limiting the number of visitors to 10 with no children under the age of 12 while the kiwi is acclimated to crowds. Thank you for your understanding.

Octopus Chat and Feeding

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:15 am

The giant Pacific octopus is a predator that demonstrates dynamic hunting behaviors.

Orangutan Crossing

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 – 11:30 am

It's a thrilling sight to see the orangutans traveling on the Zoo's Orangutan Transport System, or O Line. The best time to see them is between 11 and 11:30 am (weather dependent). Depending on the orangutan's willingness to cross, this event might occur earlier, later or not at all.

CANCELED - Highlights Tour

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 11 am