Upcoming Events

For James McNeill Whistler, watercolor was the medium through which he reinvented himself in the 1880’s and painted his way into posterity. Using a special technique by which paint, in a very liquid state that he called a sauce, and fast sweeps of the brush, Whistler’s paintings convey details through suggestion rather than explicit statement and reveal his mastery of color mixtures and wet effects. The exhibition, Whistler in Watercolor, includes more than 50 examples - figures, landscapes, nocturnes, and interiors - and represents one of the world’s largest collection of watercolors by the artist.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - 11:00 a.m.

The mission of the National Portrait Gallery is to tell the story of the U.S. through the lives of people who made significant contributions. We will take a fresh look at some who are well known and a new look at fascinating people whose names have been lost to time, as well as some non-traditional forms of portraiture.

Monday, August 26, 2019 - 1:00 p.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Promoter ($100) level or below: From newborns to recent arrivals, the National Zoo’s latest residents are in the spotlight during this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast and special activities, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above: From newborns to recent arrivals, the National Zoo’s latest residents are in the spotlight during this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast and special activities, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 8 to 9 a.m.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast served 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above: From newborns to recent arrivals, the National Zoo’s latest residents are in the spotlight during this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast and special activities, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 9 to 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast served 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above: From newborns to recent arrivals, the National Zoo’s latest residents are in the spotlight during this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast and special activities, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 10 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast served 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Raise a toast to the indomitable American women who fought for the right to vote. The informal social evening includes a private view of a Portrait Gallery exhibition that chronicles the history of the suffragist movement, as well as the opportunity to meet its curator.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 6:45 p.m.