Smithsonian offers new summer exhibits
For many students, summer means picking up more hours at work or finding a seasonal job. Those who have trouble getting time off do not have to look far to plan a day trip or weekend getaway. Only a two and a half hour drive from Charlottesville, Washington, D.C. is home to many Smithsonian museums that offer free admission and a variety of exhibits on display for a limited time.
Since April 21, the American History Museum has been hosting the “Pause and Play: A Pop-Up Gallery” exhibit. This gallery features pop culture items from the 1950s and 1960s, including a Superman costume and the very first Kermit the Frog puppet. The exhibit also includes a hands-on section, which allows visitors to draw their own comics, watch old commercials and play with toys from the era. The exhibit runs until September 3.
For those interested in video games, the American Art Museum is hosting “The Art of Video Games.” This exhibit explores the development of visual effects since its introduction in the 1970s. It also explores the influence of world events and popular culture on game development, and how these games can impact society. Visitors have the opportunity to play one of five featured games, as well; each comes from a different era and educates guests on what sets the standards for future games. The exhibit will be on display until September 30.
As the London Olympics draw near, the American Indian Museum will host its “Best in the World: Native Athletes in the Olympics” exhibit this summer. This exhibit chronicles some of the major Native American accomplishments in Olympic history. Among the events featured are the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, in which Jim Thorpe won the pentathlon and decathlon, and Lewis Tewanima placed silver by setting a record for the 10,000 meters that went unbroken for 50 years. The exhibit will be available until September 3.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster and the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, the National Postal Museum is presenting its “Fire & Ice: Hindenburg and Titanic” exhibit. This exhibit features rare items including mail sent aboard the Titanic, keys from the Titanic’s post office and burned mail salvaged from the wreck of the Hindenburg.
Animal lovers can visit the National Zoo, which is host to many new baby animals. Among the most recent animals at the zoo are rare Guam rail chicks, sun bittern chicks and a black howler monkey. The “American Trail” exhibit is also expected to open in the summer, allowing guests to see seals, sea lions and brown pelicans in an environment modeled after the California coast.
Those interested in learning more about events or exhibits in the Washington, D.C. metro area can visit the city’s official tourism website at washington.org for complete listings.
