Smithsonian Events

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Johnson IMAX Theater web site.

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

Audio Tour: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

Use your cell phone or borrow an audio player to take an audio tour of the Luce Foundation Center.

October 2009 through March 2010:

Daily: Available via cell phone 11:30 AM-7 PM

Daily: Free audio players available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk 11:30 AM-6 PM

Albert Einstein Planetarium

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Einstein Planetarium Web site.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

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, see Web site below.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

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, see Web site below.

Who We Are: Orientation Film

2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

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:
• Daily: Every 30 minutes, beginning at 10:15 AM; last show begins at 4:45 PM.

Notes
- Translation devices available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish from staff who introduce the program.
- Lelawi (pronounced le-LAW-wee) is a Lenape/Delaware word meaning "in the middle."

Protecting the Irreplaceable: Behind the Scenes with the National Trust for Historic Preservation

2009-11-21T13:30:00Z

Led by architectural historian and author Dwight Young, see firsthand how the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save significant buildings and neighborhoods.
View more details

Castle Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T14:30:00Z

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Visitors learn about the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson, and the architecture of the building while on a tour of the public areas of the Castle, which include James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing.

Year-Round:
- Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
- Sun.: 10:30 AM
- Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM

Note
- Tour subject to docent availability.

Savory Stories of Essential Italian Foods

2009-11-21T14:30:00Z

Dig into the essence of Italian cuisine-olive oil, cured meats, cheeses, and pasta-with food historians Nancy Harmon Jenkins and Ken Albala. This all-day seminar delves deeply into food histories, with a seasonal Italian meal at midday.
View more details

Elephant Viewing

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

The Elephant House will be closed while we build the elephants a new home. However, they will be on view in their outdoor habitats from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (weather permitting).

Encounter Invertebrates

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

Explore the complex and fascinating world of invertebrates: corals and crabs, ants and anemones, seashells and spiders.

Great Cats Viewing

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

The lions and tigers are on exhibit from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

How Do You Zoo?

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

Learn about working at the Zoo in this hands-on discovery room for children ages five to ten.

The Sant Ocean Hall Navigators

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

Museum docents welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate the exhibition.

Year-Round:

Most days: Beginning at 10 AM and continuing for several hours; for today's schedule, ask at either museum information desk.

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Ride Simulators

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

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

Spark!Lab

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

(for all ages) The Lemelson Center's Spark!Lab offers visitors a number of hands-on experiments that teach about science, the invention process, and the role of technology in American history. Activities are organized around the invention process and will rotate on a regular basis to provide visitors with new learning experiences.

Year-Round:

Open daily: 10 AM-4 PM; entry is first come, first served.

Staff-led experiments are offered daily at 11 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM; confirm schedule at either Welcome desk.

Notes
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Maximum capacity is 45.

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

• 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

New: Public Observatory Project

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

(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.

Schedule through November 30, 2009:

Most Tues.-Sun.: 10 AM-2 PM (weather permitting)

Notes
- Observatory programs may not be offered during cloudy or rainy weather or when school groups have reserved time to visit; confirm at the museum's Welcome Center.
- Hours change monthly.

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

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

Family Activities

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

With the help of a friendly cultural interpreter, learn about Native culture through such hands-on activities as beading, weaving, plaiting, twining, or creating a paper star quilt pattern and make something to take home. One activity is offered each week.

September through November 2009:

Most Sat: 10 AM-12 Noon

Most Wed.: 1-3 PM

Resource Center

2009-11-21T15:00:00Z

(for all ages) The Resource Center is a public reference area where visitors can learn more about the Native peoples of the Americas and the programs, exhibitions, and collections of the museum. It is composed of the Interactive Learning Center, with 18 public-access computers, and a work-study area where adults and children can use the reference materials and access online information. From time to time, the Resource Center offers activities for families.

School groups are welcome in the Resource Center.

Year-Round

Daily: 10 AM-5:30 PM

Notes
- From time to time, the Resource Center may be closed when special workshops are scheduled.
- A classroom, equipped with laptop computers and a large plasma video and data monitor, is available by appointment for guided hands-on sessions.
- For information on activities and to make appointments, call 202-633-6900, Mon.-Fri., except federal holidays.

Fish Feeding

2009-11-21T15:15:00Z

Can you train a fish? Watch our koi and albino catfish appear at the ring of their breakfast bell.

Butterfly Pavilion

2009-11-21T15:15:00Z

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.

Highlights Tours

2009-11-21T15:15:00Z

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.
- Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

The museum celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with activities for the entire family:

10 AM-12 Noon: Try your hand at educational activities and take a family tour (Potomac Atrium).

10:30 AM-12 Noon: Enjoy family-friendly cartoons from from the award-winning Wapos Bay and Raven Tales series (Mitsitam Cafe). Note: Breakfast specials will be offered from 10-11 AM.

Discovery Room

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

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 March 2009:
- Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM
- Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

• School Groups:
October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; call 202-633-1071 or 202-633-9287 (TTY); for information, visit the Web at www.mnh.si.edu/education/discoveryroom.htm

Interactive Carts

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

(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 availablility.

Special Exhibition Tour: The Scurlock Studio and Black Washington: Picturing the Promise

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of this exhibition of photographs of black Washington, D.C., from the Scurlock Studio.

Through February 28, 2010:

Sat., Sun., and Wed., 10:30 AM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability.

Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

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.

Interpretive Guides

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

Look for interpretive guides on the second level who are available to discuss the special exhibition and to answer questions.

The current special exhibition is Anne Truitt: Perception and Reflection and is on view:

October 8, 2009, through January 3, 2010:

Daily: Guides available between 10:30 AM-4:30 PM

Note
- No guides on federal holidays.

Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

Mayan Weaving

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

(for all ages) Juanita Velasco demonstrates the art of weaving on the traditional back-strap loom, tells the story depicted in her weaving, and teaches visitors how to make a friendship bracelet. Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month.

September through November:

Most Tues., Wed., Fri., and Sat.: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM and 2-4 PM

Castle Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T15:30:00Z

Amazonia Fish Feeding

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

Thousands of fish species live in the Amazon Basin. Meet some of them in our Amazonia Habitat.

Bird Enrichment Demonstration

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

Watch birds forage and catch their food mid-flight, as a keeper or volunteer narrates in the Indoor Flight Room.

Elephant Training

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

How do you get a four-ton animal to cooperate? Come find out.

Great Ape Research Demonstration

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

Meet a cognitive researcher and learn about studies being conducted with the Zoo's orangutans and gorillas.

Octopus Feeding

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

The giant Pacific octopus will eat almost anything it can catch.

Orangutan Crossing

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

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 11:30am.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

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.

Written in Bone Forensic Lab

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

(for ages 9 and up) The Forensic 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 identify and describe the gender and status of people from the past and draw conclusions about their lives.

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

Year-Round:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 1-5 PM
- Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM

• School Groups:
October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; for information and reservations, visit the Web at Forensic Lab or call 202-633-1085 or 202-633-9287 (TTY).

Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

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

Year-Round:
• Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM
• Most Tues., Thurs., and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM

Notes
- Tours subject to docent availability.
- From time to time, the museum may pre-empt a highlights tour to offer a tour of its temporary exhibition; inquire at the information desk from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Historic Theater: Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

(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 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories.

November 6, 2009, through January 3, 2010:

Most Fri., Sat., and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

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 Web site at www.nasm.si.edu….

Year-Round:

Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM

Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM

Highlights Tour

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

Highlights Tours
Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. To confirm dates and times, call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY).

Year-Round:
• Daily: 11 AM and 1 PM

Note
- Tours subject to docent availability.

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)

Storybook Reading

2009-11-21T16:00:00Z

Listen to storybook readings selected from the Resource Center's collection, presented by museum staff. An activity follows. Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month.

Through November:

Individuals:
- Walk-in; for families with children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM

School Groups:
- By reservation; call 202-633-6644 or e-mail NMAI-GroupReservations@si.edu.

Meet a Great Ape Keeper

2009-11-21T16:30:00Z

Learn about the fascinating world of apes. A keeper will speak about gorillas or orangutans.

Seal Training

2009-11-21T16:30:00Z

Experience the grace and hunger of gray seals.

Sloth Bear Feeding

2009-11-21T16:30:00Z

Find out what and how these Asian bears eat.

Artist Shorts: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

2009-11-21T16:30:00Z

Enjoy short video clips of interviews with contemporary American artists.

Year-Round:

Daily: 11:30 AM-7 PM

Videos run continuously (except during special events)