It takes more than curators to put together the exhibitions of art, artifacts, and specimens that fill the Smithsonian’s museums. There are also designers, editors, fabricators, model makers, and graphic specialists whose talents and skills play a key role in translating an exhibit’s concept into a physical reality.

Meet some of these unseen but essential professionals when you pay a visit to a place where even the most avid museum-goer never sets foot: the headquarters of Smithsonian Exhibits in Landover, Maryland. Staff members talk about their work and welcome you to areas devoted to 3D scanning and printing technologies; graphics; fabrication; and object storage. See projects in progress, including ones destined for upcoming exhibitions at Smithsonian museums.

You can’t get any more behind-the-scenes at the Smithsonian than this, and after the visit you’re guaranteed to view your next museum exhibition with a brand-new perspective.

Know Before You Go

• Tour participants on site at the Smithsonian Institution Exhibits Facility at 3400 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD 20785. Parking is available on site.

Additional Date Option for this Tour

• March 21, 1 p.m. ET

General Information

• Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
• Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
• As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
• For additional tour information:
• Study Tour Policies
• Refund/Cancellation Policy