Smithsonian Associates

For over 55 years, Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based education program—has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions, nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.

Activities include:

Adult Programming

Adult programming provides opportunities for audiences to engage with leading experts in topics ranging from the arts, sciences and history to politics and music. Program formats include live in-person and online lectures, multisession courses, daylong seminars and panel discussions.

Studio Arts

Hands-on art classes are offered year-round and in a variety of live in-person and online formats from one-day workshops to multisession classes. Designed for art enthusiasts ages 16 and older, the programs encompass a wide range of media and are led by art professionals. Studio courses emphasize developing or enhancing techniques, showcase Smithsonian collections and encourage students to explore a variety of tools and materials.

Study Tours

In-person day and overnight study tours and live virtual tours take groups beyond the National Mall. Guided by experts who encourage informal social engagement, narrate site visits and provide contextual information, tours follow in the footsteps of history, visit stunning exhibitions at museums, join experts in art, design, architecture and science on special-topic tours and explore behind the scenes at remote Smithsonian museums and research facilities.

Certificate Program in World Art History

The Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program is designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. Participants can choose from a wide range of in-person and online core courses and electives that speak to their own interests and complete the program requirements at their own pace.

Smithsonian Sleepovers and Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures

Smithsonian Associates presents customized nighttime experiences for groups and families with children ages 8–14 in sleepover and after-hours events at Smithsonian museums. When the crowds are gone and the doors have closed, kids and their chaperones will experience the museums in a whole new way during a night of fun that features tours, games, crafts and more.

Smithsonian Summer Camp

More than 90 weeklong summer in-person day camps and 20 virtual camps enable children from kindergarten through 11th-grade one-of-a kind opportunities to develop new skills guided by scientists, researchers, museum curators, writers and visual and performing artists—and have plenty of fun in the process.

Smithsonian at 8

Inspired by the world of the Smithsonian, the Smithsonian at 8 event series offers one-of-a-kind in-person and online experiences for guests ages 21 and up. With themes from the local to the global, these after-hours gatherings designed for young professionals, combine educational activities, music, food and drink and unique settings to create evenings that are smart, adventurous and memorably entertaining. 

Art Collectors Program

Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program invites collectors to purchase commissioned contemporary fine art prints and posters by acclaimed American artists. Each limited-edition print is signed, numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Proceeds support the educational and cultural programs of the Smithsonian Associates.

For additional information contact:

Smithsonian Associates                    
Ripley Center, Suite 3077                    
1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W.                    
Washington, D.C. 20560-0701            
(202) 633-3030
www.smithsonianassociates.org 

Mail to:
Smithsonian Associates
P.O. Box 23293
Washington, D.C. 20026-3293
 

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SI-264-2022