How to Visit the Smithsonian

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:VisitSmithsonian
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How to Visit the Smithsonian

Introduction

Currently the Smithsonian Institution comprises sixteen museums in Washington D.C. and two museums in New York City. These museums showcase a vast collection of national and scientific artifacts. All Smithsonian museums are free to the public, and a visit to them can be educational and entertaining.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Select the museums you want to visit. Visit the Smithsonian website for a complete listing and description of all the Institution's museums and galleries. See Additional Resources referenced below. Determine how much time is available for your museum journey, and how much time you will spend in each museum.
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Step Two

Arrive at your first destination when the museum opens, this will help you avoid crowds as most visitors arrive later in the day.
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Step Three

Take a map from the information desk. Adhere to its suggested route or wander the halls and corridors as you please.
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Step Four

Read the descriptions and histories of the pieces that interest you and spend as much time as you like observing your favorite displays.

Tips & Warnings

  • American Art Museum: Mondays at 1:00 pm attend a discussion with a staff member about his or her favorite piece in the museum.
  • Air and Space Museum: Wednesdays at noon listen to a curator lecture and hear about a curator's contributions to the museum.
  • Portrait Gallery: Thursdays at 6:00 pm be present at a portrait talk and discover the history behind a specific portrait.
  • Hirshhorn Museum: Most Fridays at 12:30 pm you can enjoy a gallery talk and learn about modern art.
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