It takes more than curators to put together the exhibitions of art and artifacts 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 including those devoted to 3D scanning and printing technologies; graphics; fabrication; and object storage. Get a view of design projects in progress slated for upcoming exhibitions at Smithsonian museums.

Susan Ades, the director of Smithsonian Exhibits, joins participants on the bus trip to provide background and answer questions. 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.

The tour bus departs from and returns to the front of the S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr., SW (Smithsonian Metro, Blue/Orange/Silver lines)