“Celebrate Smithsonian” – Behind The Scenes at Smithsonian Institution Museums

The incredible Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world, and composed of 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo.

For those lucky enough to have visited the Smithsonian, it is truly an unforgettable experience covering a wide range of American history, culture, art and science.

Now a unique experience has come along. Smithsonian Journeys has announced a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at five of the Smithsonian Institution’s famous museums.

From October 20-23, participants of “Celebrate Smithsonian” will have the opportunity to meet Smithsonian curators and staff, explore Smithsonian collections not on public view, attend private demonstrations and the newest exhibitions and enjoy exclusive dinners with Smithsonian staff in museum galleries.

This special event allows access to the Smithsonian Institution that is rarely available to the general public.

The program begins with a private gala reception and dinner at the venerable Smithsonian “Castle” building. Richard Kurin, Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture, will welcome participants and provide a sweeping view of the Smithsonian’s colorful past and present.

Over the next two days, the program will focus on Smithsonian collections in storage and on display. Museum staff will lead guests with behind-the-scenes tours through the labyrinthine Museum Support Center, a modern, high-tech home to more than 54 million artifacts, where scholars work on the research and conservation of some of the nation’s treasures.

At the National Museum of American History, Kenneth Slowik who is the curator of musical instruments, will show priceless instruments from the collection and demonstrate their rich tones.

Guestx will also experience special access to the Museum of Natural History’s new Human Origins exhibition, featuring state-of-the-art galleries that focus on how the environment and life have changed over the past 6 million years.

Participants will remain at the museum for a private dinner in the Hall of Mammals followed by a talk by the curator of the Human Origins exhibition, Rick Potts.

Photographs, program details and additional links can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/celebrate