Please Note: Advanced sales for this event will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. Tickets will be available at the door.

A Garden Party: From Africa to Asia

Presented in collaboration with the National Museum of African Art and the Freer | Sackler Galleries

Friday, August 16, 2019, 8 to 11 p.m. (7 to 11 p.m. for VIP ticket-holders)

Entrances at 1000 Independence Ave. and 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend.

There’s no better place to celebrate summer than the Enid A. Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian’s iconic Castle, an oasis of Victorian landscape design, flanked by the National Museum of African Art and the Sackler Gallery. Spend an evening in the dramatically lit garden, and enjoy exclusive late-night access to galleries featuring art from the African and Asian continents.

Take in two exciting new exhibitions spotlighting the work of women: I Am...Contemporary Women Artists of Africa at the African Art Museum and My Iran: Six Women Photographers at the Sackler.

Add music by DJ Alkimist, specialty cocktails, and curators’ talks, and you’ve got an artful garden party you just can’t miss.

More of the evening’s features include:

  • A GIF photo booth courtesy of OM Digital
  • A cash bar provided by Geppetto Catering
  • Food for sale by Geppetto Catering, Teaism, and Ruby Scoops
  • A scavenger hunt throughout both museums

Come dressed in your global garden-party best!

Garden party guests have two outstanding Smithsonian museums all to themselves, featuring exhibits focusing on everything from the breathtaking gold jewelry of Senegalese women to a look at artwork that explores Asia’s rich Buddhist heritage. Explore what’s on view at the African Art Museum and the Sackler Gallery. Channel your inner curator as you investigate the influence of women on the Smithsonian collections.

The party goes on rain or shine! In case of rain, the event will take place inside the S. Dillon Ripley Center, which connects to both museums underground.

Special features for VIP ticket-holders:

Exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., including an open bar featuring beer, wine, and specialty cocktails and small bites, courtesy of Nando’s, Teaism, JRINK, Sweet Teensy Bakery, Quill at the Jefferson Hotel, and Republic Restoratives. (Please note that these VIP benefits are available only between 7 and 8 p.m.)

MUSEUM PARTNERS



OTHER PARTNERS

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

Order by phone at 202-633-3030 (M-F, 9-5). A $3.00 phone service fee applies.

Ticket Prices & Policies

Pre-sale through July 23
  • General Admission: $25
  • VIP Admission: $50
Starting July 24
  • General Admission: $30
  • VIP Admission: $55
At the door (if available)
  • General Admission: $35
  • VIP Admission: $60

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. There are no Smithsonian Associates member discounts or any other special discounts for Smithsonian at 8 event tickets.

Tickets are not mailed. Check-in at the door; enter on Independence Ave. or Jefferson Dr. A photo ID is required.