Smithsonian Associates March 2025 program guide

After attending my first lecture at Smithsonian Associates, I was hooked. I'm proud to help ensure Associates can thrive for decades to come in a way that makes sense for my family and finances as a Legacy Society member.

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In the 1830s, a gift from a single benefactor led to the birth of the Smithsonian. Today, you can share the same visionary spirit and generosity embodied by James Smithson by becoming a founding member of the Associates Legacy Society.

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Please contact Elizabeth Moloney, Assistant Director of Advancement, at (202) 633-8697 or DonorServices@si.edu.

Dear Friends and Members,

Her name is Vera Lichty. Along with hundreds of thousands of other women during World War II, this Union Pacific telegraph operator took her place beside men ensuring the essential functions of American railroads. The cover photo of her at work in 1944 perfectly captures one of the key aspects of Women’s History Month—bringing to light the achievements of previously unknown or overlooked women. The story of women working on the railroad is among the highlighted anniversary programs offering fascinating insights into both well- and lesser-known proto-feminists as well as some of today’s leading chefs in Washington, D.C. (pp. 2 and 3).

You’ll find more women’s stories that span the centuries in this month’s guide. Step into Jane Austen’s world and peer through the lens of her works to examine their ongoing relevance 250 years after her birth (p. 9).

Survey the significant achievements made by American and European women painters, sculptors, architects, textile designers, and performance artists from the 1950s to the present (p. 41). Learn how Renaissance-era painters Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi established themselves as groundbreaking professionals by taking on pictorial themes that were traditionally the province of men (p. 41).

Quilting and embroidery serve as ways for countless anonymous women to carry on traditions and history. View an array of eloquent narratives in fabric on a museum bus tour to Baltimore (p. 52).

As we celebrate Women’s History Month during Associates’ 60th year, a few other names come to mind: Lisa Sutter Taylor, Susan Hamilton, Janet W. Solinger, Dr. Mara Mayor, and Barbara Tuceling. These women led this organization from our earliest days and their signatures appeared on this page to welcome you to the world of Smithsonian Associates. It is an honor to carry their work forward.

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

facebook.com/smithsonianassociates instagram.com/smithsonianassociates issuu.com/smithsonianassociatesprograms

Amy Brandwein

Julie Cortes

Susan Bae Nycci Nellis

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES LIFELONG LEARNING

Celebrating 60 Years of Learning at the Smithsonian

Sparking Curiosity, Conversations, and Connections

The programs in March’s anniversary spotlight are inspired by Women’s History Month and they have fascinating stories to tell. They explore power in a 12th-century queen consort who sat on the thrones of both France and England and the reigning queens of the screen whose kingdom was golden-age Hollywood. Discover the roles that 19th-century women played in shaping an American-born philosophy

Bright Circle

and the groundbreaking telegraphers who supported the railroads as their tracks spread across the West. Celebrate an artist whose creative vision is rooted in nature; a group of Abstract Expressionists whose tenacity—and talent—brought their works to gallery walls; and the architects who, despite roadblocks, made their marks on Modernism. And hear from several leading Washington-area chefs about how they’ve found success in a male-dominated profession.

Five Remarkable Women in the Age of Transcendentalism

In 1839, five young women in Boston formed a conversation society “to answer the great questions” of special importance to women: “What are we born to do? How shall we do it?” Scholar and author Randall Fuller examines how these women—all remarkable thinkers and artists who played pathbreaking roles in the transcendentalist movement—helped form the foundations of American feminism.

Thurs., March 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-562; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

How the Ninth Street Women Conquered the Art World

Women artists who made important contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement are finally getting their due. Most notable were five painters whose work was featured in the groundbreaking Ninth Street Art Exhibition of 1951. Art historian Nancy G. Heller examines the art and lives of these “Ninth Street Women” and the gender-related obstacles they overcame to claim their place in a changing art world.

Tues., March 25, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-375; Members $30; Nonmembers $40 Tutti-Frutti, 1966, by Helen Frankenthaler

Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Legend and the Reality

The life of Eleanor of Aquitaine is the stuff of legend. But how much is true? Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger considers some of the stories that have grown around the ambitious and powerful woman who rose to become queen consort of England and France and shaped the reigns of two of England’s most famous kings: Richard the Lionheart and King John.

Wed., March 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-376; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Queen Eleanor by Frederick Sandys, 1858

In Person

D.C.’s Trailblazing Women Chefs

Women have traditionally faced challenges in the culinary world, but today you’ll find them leading the kitchens of some of the most exciting restaurants in Washington. Join several of these star chefs as they discuss what it’s like to work in a male-dominated industry; how restaurant dining in the city has evolved; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails.

Thurs., March 27, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-626; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

“Move Over, Sir!”

Women Working on the Railroad

In Person

Georgia O’Keeffe’s Artistic Vision

Artwork Inspired by the Environment

In this 3-session studio arts workshop, artist Sandra Gobar invites participants to delve into the harmonious relationship between art and nature through the artistic vision of Georgia O’Keeffe. Each session emphasizes a different facet of O’Keeffe’s life and artistry, intertwining art, environmental consciousness, and culinary experiences.

3-session course: Sun., May 4–18, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VP; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

In the late 1830s and ’40s, telegraph lines expanded alongside new railroad tracks and created professional opportunities for women. Pioneer women telegraphers were still the exception rather than the rule, but they blazed a trail for others to follow in the century of progress to come. Patricia LaBounty, a curator at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, explores the complex and exciting world of women working on the railroad.

Wed., April 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-129; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Films of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis

At Hollywood’s height, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis topped the list of leading ladies. Though similar, they differed in their approaches to acting and in the types of roles they chose. Film historian Max Alvarez leads a gloriously melodramatic journey through their lives and screen careers. Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night—or two.

2-session series: Tues., May 13 and 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE: 1K0-578; Members $50; Nonmembers $70; individual sessions available

LIFELONG

Women Architects at Work

Making American Modernism

In the decades preceding World War II, professional architecture schools enrolled increasing numbers of women, but career success did not come easily. Architectural historians Mary Anne Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy tell the stories of the resilient women who surmounted barriers of sexism, racism, and classism to play crucial roles in the growth of Modernism. Their new book, Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-064; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Amy Brandwein RACHEL PARAOAN REY LOPEZ PHOTO

Special No. 32 by Georgia O'Keeffe, 1915

Vera Lichty, a wartime telegraph operator, Union Pacific telegraph office, 1944

Joan Crawford

Bette Davis

Julie Cortes Susan Bae Nycci Nellis

Smithsonian Associates In Person

We invite you to join us for selected in-person programs, concert series, and studio arts classes and workshops in our nation’s capital, as well as walking tours, full-day study tours, and overnight tours.

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

D.C.’s Trailblazing Women Chefs

Thurs., March 27

Join the female chefs who lead some of the most exciting restaurants in Washington as they discuss working in the male-dominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails. (see p. 3)

Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song

Thurs., March 13–June 5 | Thurs., June 12 performance

Wines

of Catalonia

Thurs., June 26

Explore a culture where wine is not just a drink but a story of place, tradition, and innovation. Lucas Payà, a global wine educator and authority on Spanish wine, hosts a master class and tasting experience that includes a lecture, curated wine tasting, and light snacks. (see p. 27)

Dinner at Casa Teresa

Wed., July 9

Ernest Johnson leads this ensemble in arrangements of the hits you know and love. No audition is required; final song list and musical arrangements are chosen to fit the specific vocal and musical abilities of the group. Twelve rehearsals culminate in a free June 12 performance. (see p. 18)

A Toast to the Cocktail’s Ultimate Guide

Studio Arts

Wed., April 9

Editors and a contributor serve up a lively and informative evening in which they discuss the challenges and rewards of creating The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, a major contribution to our understanding of civilized drinking. Four sample cocktails are served during the event, along with light snacks. (see p. 23)

Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 45–51)

Tours

Discover expert-led tours that offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences. And get a preview of overnight tours that will go on sale in coming months. (see pp. 52–61)

Inspired by the life and cooking of his abuela Teresa, chef Rubén García founded Casa Teresa in downtown Washington as an homage to the home cooks who created the tradition of Catalan cuisine. Enjoy a three-course menu designed for Smithsonian Associates that reflects García’s roots in simple, wood-fired dishes that offer diners a taste of the big family feasts from his childhood in Catalonia. (see p. 27)

of Five

Sun., March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Music by

and

Sat., March 29, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 30, 6:30 p.m.

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

The Axelrod String Quartet Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m.

Music by Mozart, Beethoven, and Ravel (see p. 21)

Masterworks

Centuries

Ferruccio Busoni, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss,

Osvaldo Golijov

Music of Franz Schubert (see p. 21)

Concert Season

Sun., April 6

Jazz at the Cotton Club (see p. 20)

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

The Celtic World: Ancient and Modern

The heritage of the ancient Celts is still felt in the modern world. Historian Jennifer Paxton of Catholic University of America traces how perceptions and knowledge of the Celtic peoples have changed over the centuries and how their legacies affected culture and politics in the nations and regions linked by language and traditions (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man) commonly known as the Celtic Fringe—as well as in the wider world. As our understanding of these peoples continues to evolve, Paxton examines the impact of new ideas on our contemporary fascination with all things Celtic.

Sat., March 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-373; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Live from Scotland

The Gundestrup Cauldron, a silver vessel with Celtic influences from the pre-Roman Iron Age Irish step-dancing

The Impact of Afro-Latino Culture

A quarter of Latin America’s nearly 600 million people have African ancestry, and that continent’s influence is reflected in the daily life of countries throughout in the region. Kim Haas, executive producer, host, and creator of the public television series “Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas,” provides insights into the historical and cultural impact of people of African descent in Latin America from the 16th century to the present day.

Haas examines the origins of African people in the Americas beginning with the transatlantic slave trade, tracing how their settlement in countries like Brazil, Panama, and Costa Rica shaped key aspects of Latin America’s economic, social, cultural, and artistic development—seen in everything from music to cuisine to history-making infrastructure projects.

Wed., March 5, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-124; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Palace of Holyroodhouse: Home of Scottish Royal History

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s royal palace for more than 500 years, has witnessed everything from state occasions, balls, and banquets to uprisings, royal weddings, and even a dramatic murder. Standing in peaceful gardens beside the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey, the official residence of King Charles III in Scotland contains private chambers used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and baroque state apartments built for Charles II.

Curator Emma Stead and former senior curator Deborah Clarke explore the palace’s history, delve into stories of past occupants, and look at its present use by the British royal family.

Fri., March 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-016; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Treaty of Paris

America’s Future on the Brink

In November 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the War of Independence and created the United States of America. Over months of negotiation, delegates from the United States, Great Britain, and France pushed to secure every advantage. In the end, the United States had secured rights to all land east of the Mississippi that was north of Florida and south of Canada, as well as important fishing rights and the restoration of property and prisoners of war. Historian Richard Bell argues that the Treaty of Paris was a triumph for U.S. diplomacy that reset relations with Britain but also damaged the U.S.–French alliance and left Native Americans, loyalists, and fugitives from slavery to fend for themselves.

Tues., March 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-374; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Kim Haas visits musician Marcos Forbes to explore the origins of calypso

The Treaty of Paris (unfinished) by Benjamin West, 1783

The Black Death

Over the past five years, we’ve all struggled to grapple with the realities of living with a global pandemic and its aftermath. It has caused intense grief as well as social and political upheavals. History can offer both context for this worldwide tragedy and a better appreciation of the humanity we share with those in the distant past.

Medievalist Paul B. Sturtevant explores the people and societies who experienced the Black Death—the hemispheric pandemic that ravaged the 14th-century world—and draws parallels between the individual and collective experiences of people seven centuries apart.

Tues., March 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-442; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Emancipation During the American Revolution

As the American Revolution broke out in New England in the spring of 1775, events unfolded in Virginia that helped unite the colonies against Britain. Journalist Andrew Lawler offers a new perspective on the roots of the revolution as he describes the impact of the actions of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s royal governor. After Dunmore freed enslaved men and sent them into battle against a patriot army at Norfolk, the rebels burned the city on January 1, 1776. The port’s destruction and Dunmore’s act of emancipation prompted Virginia’s patriot leaders to urge the Continental Congress to split from Britain, breaking a deadlock on the issue.

Lawler’s book A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution (Atlantic Monthly Press) is available for purchase. Tues., March 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-444; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Battle of Salamis

On a late-September day in 480 B.C.E., Greek warships faced an invading Persian armada at the Salamis Straits, a narrow corridor in the Saronic Gulf, in the most important naval battle of the ancient world. Overwhelmingly outnumbered, the Greeks triumphed through a combination of strategy and deception.

More than two millennia after it occurred, the clash between the Greeks and Persians at Salamis remains one of the most tactically brilliant battles ever fought. The Greek victory changed the course of Western history by halting the advance of the Persian Empire and setting the stage for the Golden Age of Athens. Classicist Barry Strauss brings this landmark battle to life.

Mon., March 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-853; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Swinging London

A ‘60s Cultural Revolution

Two decades after the devastation of the Blitz, the youthquake of the 1960s transformed staid London into Swinging London, the epicenter of a new world of fashion and entertainment. Carnaby Street set the styles; Mod designers such as Mary Quant became stars; Twiggy, a model from a working-class family, was the face of the moment; and Soho’s nightclubs were the place to dance the night away.

While London lured tourists, England also exported its pop culture. The British Invasion in music was spearheaded by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and the country’s films outdid Hollywood as they tackled taboo topics of abortion, homosexuality, and interracial sex. Historian Julie Taddeo explores how London— and the nation—rebranded as a with-it world powerhouse amid the Cold War, a new Elizabethan age, and Britain’s decline as an imperial power.

Tues., March 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-623; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Andrew Lawler

Citizens of Tournai, Belgium, bury plague victims

Carnaby Street, 1960s London

The Battle of Salamis, 19th-century illustration

Were the Fifties Actually Fabulous?

The 1950s in America is recalled as a pleasant and placid decade, an era of conformity and good cheer, “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best,” Levittowns and shopping centers, gray flannel suits for men and domesticity for women. But it was also the decade of Emmett Till, the Little Rock Nine, Little Richard, Joseph McCarthy, air-raid drills, and Rebel Without a Cause

Leonard Steinhorn, a professor of communication and history at American University, takes a close look at this pivotal era, examining its contradictions, politics, music, media, and race relations; the rise of suburbia and mass consumption; the impact of television; and how the Fifties led to the Sixties.

Thurs., March 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-851; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Golden Years

The Story of American Aging

Americans who worked on farms and in factories once had little choice but to work until death. As the nation prospered, a new idea was born: the right to a dignified and secure old age. The fight to deliver that right has been successful but is still unfinished. Historian James Chappel shows how old age emerged as a distinct stage of life in the United States and how it evolved over the last century, shaped by politicians’ choices, activists’ demands, medical advances, and cultural models from utopian novels to “The Golden Girls.”

Chappel’s new book, Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age (Hachette), is available for purchase.

Thurs., March 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-060; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Operation Varsity: The Last Jump

In March 1945, the war against Germany was entering its final chapter, with American, British, and Canadian troops continuing their effort to reach the country’s western border along the Rhine River. To support ground troops in amphibious river crossings, the Allies devised a massive airborne operation that would drop paratroops behind German lines. The result was Operation Varsity, which mobilized some 16,000 troops and thousands of aircraft. Though not without difficulties, Operation Varsity stands as an Allied success, capturing bridges and towns that otherwise would have been used by the German military to slow the advance of Allied ground forces. Historian Christopher Hamner explores the operation’s development, Allied strategy in Western Europe in the spring of 1945, and the implications of Operation Varsity for the war’s final weeks and the post-war settlement.

Mon., March 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-088; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Your programs...your time

Registered for a Smithsonian Associates online program but missed it because of a schedule conflict? Wish you could take a second look at a presentation you loved? Associates Encores offers the answer to these questions—and more.

James Chappel

U.S. Army Air Force transports and gliders prepared for Operation Varsity

The Negro Baseball League

The feats and names of baseball’s Negro Leagues stars are legendary: Satchel Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Josh Gibson, and more. But what was it like for them to play—and for fans to watch them?

The story of Negro League baseball is more than a history of sports, says Louis Moore, a professor of history at Grand Valley State University: It’s a story about American society. He explores how and why baseball became Black America’s game; how the rise and fall of the Negro Leagues paralleled the cultural tides of American life; and what the inclusion of the leagues’ stats into those of today’s Major League Baseball means for the past and present players.

Tues., March 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-854; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Świętokrzyskie Mountains

Live from Poland

The Road Less Traveled in Poland

Visitors to Poland often focus on major cities such as Warsaw and Krakow, but historical, cultural, and natural treasures abound elsewhere. Tour guide Christopher Skutela leads a visual journey to places in Poland that are off the beaten path.

Among these sites are the Wooden Architecture Trail in the mountains of the Krakow region; Tarnow, which housed a strong Jewish community until World War II; the Świętokrzyskie region with the medieval Holy Cross Monastery and oldest mountain range in Poland; Lodz, which used to unite three cultures and was one of the main centers of the textile industry in Europe; and Torun, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Copernicus was born.

Wed., March 26, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-437; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Real Revolution: America 1775–1783

The real story of the American Revolution is more than the catalog of deeds by a handful of famous men. As a private in the Continental Army later put it: “Great men get praise; little men, nothing.”

In a full-day seminar, Richard Bell, a professor of history at the University of Maryland and a specialist in the American Revolutionary era, explores the tumultuous years between 1775 and 1783 from the perspective of these “little men” by examining military recruitment; the wars on the home front and in Native American territory; the struggles of people of color; and the experiences of loyalists.

Sat., March 29, 10 a.m.–3:15 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-377; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Satchel Paige, standing 3rd from left, with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932

Battle of Springfield, New Jersey, 1780

The Mesopotamian Riddle

Cracking the Code of Cuneiform

By the mid-19th century, a fascination with ancient civilizations gripped Victorian society, spurred by mysterious artifacts emerging from desert sands and the ruins of empires. Among these treasures was cuneiform, the script of ancient Mesopotamia that had preserved the stories, science, and secrets of civilizations such as Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia for millennia—only to have its meaning lost to history, locked in clay tablets scattered across the Middle East.

In the 1840s, three Victorian adventurers set out to change that. Journalist Joshua Hammer delves into how they unlocked the secrets of cuneiform, illuminating the forgotten voices of the ancient world and offering a glimpse into humanity’s earliest recorded past. His book The Mesopotamian Riddle: An Archaeologist, a Soldier, a Clergyman, and the Race to Decipher the World’s Oldest Writing (Simon & Schuster) is available for purchase.

Wed., April 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-089; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Complex Legacy of Oskar Schindler

The real Oskar Schindler was far more complex than the figure depicted in Schindler’s List. He was a German spy, businessman, bon vivant, and member of the Nazi Party who risked his life to rescue imperiled Jews. In the early 1940s, Schindler took control of a factory in Krakow, Poland, that had been confiscated by the Nazis. Exploiting forced Jewish labor from the city’s ghetto, he amassed significant profits, which funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury cars, fine wines, and an infamous playboy reputation.

However, as the German regime’s atrocities became undeniable, Schindler underwent a dramatic transformation. He turned his factory into a refuge, using bribery, manipulation, and sheer will to protect nearly 1,200 Jewish workers from deportation and certain death. Historian Ralph Nurnberger explores Schindler’s complex life, uncovering how, despite his personal and professional failures, he rose to perform extraordinary acts of heroism, ultimately saving more than a thousand lives.

Thurs., April 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-090; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Napoleon’s Complicated Legacy

Few figures in history excite as passionately held and often-conflicting visions as Napoleon. Some extoll him as a genius and the spirit of the revolution incarnate. Others denounce him as a megalomaniac and compulsive warmonger. One of the greatest military minds, he was a stirring visionary whose scale of ambitions continues to capture people’s imagination.

But Napoleon was also a climber and a double-dealer who exploited others for his own gain. Egotistical and prone to nepotism, he richly rewarded his relatives, even when confronted with their incompetence. He often blurred lines between lawfulness and criminality and cynically exploited human weaknesses. He was not the “Corsican Ogre,” but neither was he the romantic figure of legend. Napoleon was a self-made man who dominated his age like no other, a fact that even his enemies grudgingly admitted.

Historian Alexander Mikaberidze discusses his many facets and the enormous influence he wielded in Europe and beyond.

Wed., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-378; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Jane Austen at 250

Celebrating the Writer and Her World

This year marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, one of the most famous and best-loved English authors. Born on the eve of the American Revolution, Austen lived during the Regency, a time often associated with fancy dress and an elaborate social scene. It was also a period of war and political chaos.

Like other women, Austen was expected to secure her future by making an advantageous marriage. Instead, she pursued a career in writing. The six novels she completed give us a window into her era, with the realities of poverty, illness, war, and death rumbling through. More than two centuries later, her works continue to capture the modern imagination, leading to new adaptations and spin-offs for film, theater, and television every year.

Historian and author Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger leads a journey into the writer’s world through the lens of her novels, offering Austen fans and history buffs alike insights into her time and the ongoing relevance of her works today.

Sat., April 5, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-379; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Oskar Schindler

Engraving of Jane Austen, 1897

Rebels

at the Gates

The Confederacy’s Final Gamble and the Battle to Save Washington

During the summer of 1864, Washington, D.C., came within hours of being invaded and Lincoln within inches of being shot. At the time, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was laying siege to Petersburg, Virginia, deploying every available Union soldier to end the bloody conflict. Gen. Robert E. Lee, who along with his troops was trapped in nearby Richmond, knew that the Union’s attacks would never stop until the Confederate capital fell. Lee hatched a desperate and bold plan to save the Confederacy and perhaps bring the war to an end—but on the South’s terms.

Robert Watson, a professor of American history at Lynn University, recounts this largely forgotten attack on Washington and its defense as well as the fascinating events surrounding the battle. His book Rebels at the Gates: The Confederacy’s Final Gamble and the Battle to Save Washington (Rowman & Littlefield) is available for purchase.

Mon., April 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-558; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Sherman’s March to the Sea A Journey Toward Freedom

In the fall of 1864, Gen. William T. Sherman and his army left the burning buildings of Atlanta in their wake as they marched east across Georgia to the most important coastal city at the time: Savannah. Plantation owners fled the troops, but even before they did so, slaves self-emancipated to Union lines. By the time the army seized Savannah in December, as many as 20,000 enslaved people had attached themselves to Sherman’s army.

Historian Bennett Parten discusses how Sherman’s stillcontroversial March to the Sea affected the war; what it meant to the enslaved; and how it laid the foundation for the fledgingand short-livedefforts of Reconstruction. His book, Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman’s March and the Story of America’s Largest Emancipation (Simon & Schuster), is available for purchase.

Tues., April 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-572; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Turning Points of the American Civil War

Even with the benefit of decades or centuries of hindsight, decisive battles or campaigns that result in the end of a war or shift its momentum to the ultimate victor are not always easy to pinpoint. Military historian Kevin Weddle presents his choices for the three most significant campaigns of the American Civil War: those that unfolded at Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg.

He examines the background of each and how the Union and the Confederacy developed and executed their respective military strategies within the context of a bitter and divisive political environment. While none of these operations led directly to the war’s conclusion, they had far-reaching consequences that cumulatively determined the nature of the nation that would emerge from the devastating conflict.

3-session series: Tues., April 8–22, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-568; Members $75; Nonmembers $95

Lincoln’s Peace

The Struggle to End the Civil War

On April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House, Ulysses S. Grant accepted Robert E. Lee’s surrender, hailed in newspapers as “The End.” But was this truly the end of the Civil War? Or did it end on June 19, when a federal commander in Galveston announced the abolition of slavery? Or in August 1866, when President Andrew Johnson declared, “The insurrection is at an end”?

Historian Michael Vorenberg challenges the assumption that the Civil War ended with Lee’s surrender. He surveys the bloody and turbulent period following Appomattox and concludes that the peace Lincoln envisioned required many endings, the most significant of which came over a year after the president’s death.

Vorenberg’s book Lincoln’s Peace: The Struggle to End the American Civil War (Knopf) is available for purchase.

Thurs., May 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-095; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Robert Watson

Hancock at Gettysburg by Thure de Thulstrup

LIFELONG LEARNING

The Easter Rising: Dublin, 1916

The Easter Rising, an armed insurrection staged by a small group of Irish nationalists in Dublin in 1916 that ended in total defeat, nevertheless set in motion the events that eventually led to an independent Ireland. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores the origins of the Easter Rising in the upheavals of the 19th century: the Potato Famine, the struggle for greater political autonomy from Britain, and the ongoing tensions between the majority Protestant northern part of Ireland and the overwhelmingly Catholic southern part.

Prior to World War I, most Irish nationalists had worked to obtain home rule for Ireland by working through the British Parliament. Paxton looks at how the outbreak of the First World War led many of them to abandon the peaceful struggle and take up arms for Ireland and how the Rising set Ireland on a course for both independence and partition.

Wed., April 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-380; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe

At its peak, the Roman empire extended from Britain to the Sahara Desert, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Euphrates River. Yet in 476, the last western Roman emperor was deposed. Imperial authority survived in the east, centered on the city of Constantinople, but the western regions were divided between Germanic kingdoms and the rising influence of the papacy. Historian David Gwynn analyzes the dramatic events which shaped the decline and fall of the Roman empire in the west, exploring the transformation from the ancient to the medieval world that laid the foundations for modern Europe.

4-session series: Wed., April 9–30, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-447; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Individual sessions: Wed., April 9 (CODE 1J0-447A); Wed., April 16 (CODE 1J0-447B); Wed., April 23 (CODE 1J0-447C); Wed., April 30 (CODE 1J0-447D); 12 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

How Europe Reckons With Its Wartime Past

After World War II ended, participating countries’ responses to the conflict were widely varied. Nearly half of West Germans still considered Nazism a good idea badly carried out. East Germans maintained that as communists, they had always opposed the Nazis. Italians presented themselves as brava gente, or good people, even though fascism was born in their country. France, where the Vichy government collaborated with the Nazis, retold its history as one of resistance. The Soviet Union glorified its victory against Nazi forces while ignoring its initial alignment with Hitler. Yet in Germany, a generation of children of Nazis began to demand an assessment of the responsibility of the nation’s people rather than solely blaming Hitler. Writer and former foreign correspondent Adam Tanner examines how these nations have come to terms, or not, with their actions in World War II

Thurs., April 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-130; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

How the Mexican War Transformed America

Few today are aware of the war between the United States and Mexico (1846–48), except that it led to the acquisition of a vast tract of land that became California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of several other states. But this forgotten conflict transformed the nation by triggering a major national political crisis over the issue of slavery that pushed it closer to civil war. It also led to the Gold Rush of 1849, an event that had a major impact on the national economy as well as American political culture. Historian Edward T. O’Donnell explores the details of the war and its consequences.

Thurs., April 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-855; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Alaric entering Athens by Allan Stewart, ca. 1920

Dubliners search in the rubble after the Easter Rising, 1916

Battle of Veracruz during the Mexican–American War, illustration, 1851

How the Sixties Shaped Today’s Politics

We must remember the 1960s to understand today, says Leonard Steinhorn, a professor in the School of Communication at American University. He sees the decade as continuing to reverberate in U.S. politics and institutions, as well as spawning the polarization and culture wars that now divide Americans the way the Vietnam War did in the past.

From civil rights to feminism to gay liberation to the environmental movement to the silent majority, a period that began more than half a century ago has shaped and influenced our country ever since. Steinhorn explores the decade’s meaning and its legacy, one that may help shed light on our current politics and society.

Mon., April 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-857; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

George Washington and the Origins of Executive Power

George Washington not only played a vital role in framing the Constitution as the president of the Philadelphia Convention, he also put the document into practice as America’s first leader.

Historian Denver Brunsman explores the origins of executive power through the writings and actions of the United States’ first president. Brunsman delves into how the father of the country managed to balance establishing a strong executive office while still assiduously obeying the legal limits of power.

Tues., April 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-062; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Great American Road Trip

The Enduring Legacy of the Bayeux Tapestry

A few years after the Norman Conquest of 1066, a beautiful and intricate work that came to be known as the Bayeux Tapestry appeared. It documented in remarkable detail the events of the Battle of Hastings, a clash that witnessed the victory of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, over Saxon King Harold II—an outcome that changed the course of European history. Historian Cheryl White examines the facts and the controversy about the role of the Bayeux Tapestry and turns a critical eye on its lasting impact as a work of art and historical documentary. Its enduring legacy speaks to the identity of a people, a kingdom, and, ultimately, the role of art in reinforcing the dominant view by which scholars interpret the past.

Wed., April 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-383; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

In preparation for the summer road trip season, join historian Allen Pietrobon as he looks at how the culture of the United States has been shaped by people pushing into new territory in search of better opportunity. Pietrobon delves into the ways Americans traveled in the past—for example, what it was like to be aboard a wagon in the 1840s and a transcontinental railroad in the 1880s. He talks about the rapid growth of interstates in the 1960s, the associated rise of fast food and roadside motels, and, most importantly, the birth of the notion that the open road is the epitome of American freedom.

Mon., April 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-451; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Bayeux Tapestry detail showing Bishop Odo rallying William the Conqueror's troops at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

House at Whitehall

England’s Historic Royal Palaces

A Step Inside

Palaces were the residences of monarchs, but they were also buildings where the business of state was carried out. Within their walls intrigues, murders, love affairs, and deaths—the full pageant of British history—took place and royal magnificence was displayed.

Siobhan Clarke, a guide for the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, offers a look inside four significant historic sites: the Tower of London; Hampton Court; the Banqueting House at Whitehall; and Kensington Palace. Using maps, paintings, and photographs, she introduces these splendid corridors of royal power and pleasure, the people who inhabited them, and the nation-shaping events that took place there.

4-session series: Mon., April 28–May 19, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-385; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

A History of Freedom in Modern Life

The Age of Choice

Making choices is part of virtually every aspect of our lives, from what to buy and where to live to whom to love, what profession to practice, and what to believe. But the ability to choose in such matters was not something that we always had or even aspired to historically.

Historian Sophia Rosenfeld explores how, between the 17th century and the present, the practice of making choices from menus of options came to shape many aspects of our existence, from consumer culture to human rights. She draws on sources ranging from the latest findings in economics and psychology to novels and restaurant menus.

Rosenfeld is the chair of the history department at the University of Pennsylvania. Her book The Age of Choice (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Tues., April 29, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-063; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Excavations at Tell el-Amarna

A Window Into Ancient Egypt

Thomas Paine: Revolutions of a

Founding Father

When Thomas Paine died in June 1809, only a dozen people came to his funeral. Historian Richard Bell examines his meteoric rise to celebrity status during the American Revolution and his equally dramatic fall from grace in the decades afterward. Bell illuminates Paine’s humble origins and his extraordinary gift for political argument and explains why his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense is credited with catalyzing a mass movement driven by the cause of independence.

Bell also explores the surprisingly bitter backlash Paine experienced when he published the 1791 manifesto The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in support of the social and political extremism of the French Revolution and The Age of Reason, his 1794 defense of deism, reason, and free thought. He examines why Paine, once lionized as the most relatable and revolutionary founding father, died a pariah, too radical and uncompromising for the cautious new country he helped call into being.

Wed., April 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-386; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Isolated in the desert of Egypt, the ancient city of Tell el-Amarna is one of the most exciting archaeological sites in the world. The “heretic” Pharaoh Akhenaten created the city to serve as the center of the cult of worship of a single deity, a sun god called the Aten. Due to its extraordinary level of preservation, Tell el-Amarna is the most revealing city from ancient Egypt, providing an unmatched window into daily life and religious practices.

Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson, a senior member of the Tell el-Amarna archaeological team, examines the latest discoveries at the site and reveals truths about life in this remarkable ancient city, one whose society revolved around the royal family and the vision of a king Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-387; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Tell el-Amarna, Egypt

Banqueting

Honoring

America’s Fallen:

The Cemeteries of WWII

During the Second World War, more than 400,000 Americans lost their lives. Afterward, the federal government sought a lasting way to recognize their sacrifice by creating overseas military cemeteries to commemorate the fallen. The responsibility for establishing and maintaining these cemeteries abroad fell to the American Battle Monuments Commission, founded in 1923 to honor those lost in the First World War. The World War II cemeteries it created at sites such as the Normandy beachheads, the Ardennes, and the Italian peninsula have become enduring symbols of the conflict. Historian Christopher Hamner surveys the iconic design and layout of some of those cemeteries and examines how decisions made in the late 1940s and 1950s helped shape how Americans remember World War II.

Mon., May 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-093; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Germany’s Surrender in WWII

On May 7, 1945, after almost six years of brutal combat and untold death and destruction in the European Theater, German military leaders unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of this significant event, historian Mitchell Yockelson discusses how the death of President Roosevelt, the decision by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower not to enter Berlin before the Russians, the final battles, and the suicide of Adolf Hitler led to Nazi Germany’s capitulation.

The Unique Memorials of Washington

Wed., May 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-859; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

From a tiny pocket park dedicated to a pop star turned politician to the only female equestrian statue in the city, Washington, D.C., is full of unique and obscure memorials. Beyond the National Mall, there are monuments to middling presidents, forgotten founders, failed projects, and allies turned enemies. Today potential memorials are thoroughly and painstakingly vetted, but this rigorous review process was not always standard procedure. The 19th and early 20th century saw many strange additions to the capital’s collection of statues, urns, parks, plaques, and markers. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, takes a closer look at some of these odd and lesser-known monuments, memorials, and landmarks.

Mon., May 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-131; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Tracing Jewish History

From Yemen to Yorkshire

The known trajectory of Jewish history begins in ancient Israel, continues through 2,000 years of Diaspora, and then reaches the two major events of the 20th century: the Holocaust and the establishment of the state of Israel. Within those years of Diaspora are little-known stories of Jewish communities that are well worth attention. Biblical scholar and historian Gary Rendsburg of Rutgers University leads a fascinating virtual tour across time and place to explore several of these surprising outposts, including Hellenistic Egypt; Arabia; lands of the Roman and Holy Roman Empires; and medieval England.

Sat., May 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2390; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

Reproduction from the Arch of Titus showing Roman soldiers moving newly enslaved Jews and their belongings

United States military policemen reading about the German surrender in the Stars and Stripes newspaper

Joan of Arc statue in Meridian Hill

Major Discoveries in Rome and Pompeii

The last 30 years have seen an abundance of archaeological discoveries in Rome and Pompeii. Increased construction activity for new subway lines in Rome brought to light some striking discoveries that significantly change our understanding of the city during the first three centuries of the Empire, especially in the area between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. There have also been major discoveries in Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under nearly 20 feet of volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in the year 79.

C. Brian Rose, a professor of Mediterranean archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania, examines topics such as how the appearance of these cities changed during the Republic and early Empire and how their residents prepared for religious festivals, dinner parties, and gladiatorial games. He also reviews the ways in which these buried cities and their exploration have had a lasting impact on European and American culture.

Tues., May 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-634; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Olmec Culture

Monuments, Masterpieces, and Mysteries

The Olmec culture on Mexico’s southern gulf coast—identified as such only in the 1930s and subsequently explored by Smithsonian researchers—flourished in several ceremonial civic centers from about 1500 to 400 B.C.E. Best known as creators of colossal stone heads, the Olmec were masters of monumental sculpture but also produced an array of distinctive artworks in stone, ceramic, wood, and jade. Their innovations provide some of the earliest evidence of urban planning in North America and examples of a system of numbering and of glyphic writing.

Cultural historian George Scheper explores the archaeological and sculptural wonders of the Olmec, along with the controversial issue of whether they were the mother culture of Mesoamerica or an influential sibling of an array of Formative Period cultures in Mexico and Central America.

Wed., May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-391; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Saudi Arabia: An Overview of History

Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, a major player on the international stage, and the site of Islam’s two holiest cities. It is also one of the world’s few absolute monarchies. Saudi specialist David Commins, a professor of history at Dickinson College, offers an overview of the history of Saudi Arabia from oasis emirate to present-day attempts to leap to a post-petroleum economy. He traces how the Saud dynasty’s reliance on sectarianism, foreign expertise, and petroleum to stabilize power has unintentionally spawned secular and religious movements seeking accountability and justice. Commins surveys the experiences of activists, women, religious minorities, Bedouin, and expatriate workers as the country transformed from subsistence agrarian life to urban consumer society and provides a portrait of Saudi Arabia’s complex and evolving story—and of a country that is often misunderstood. His book Saudi Arabia: A Modern History (Yale University Press) is available for purchase.

Wed., May 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-581; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A

Painting on the walls of the Villa of Mysteries in Pompei

Colossal Olmec stone head, Villahermosa, Mexico

Finding the History in Shakespeare’s History Plays

Shakespeare is the best-known and most successful playwright of all time, a storyteller and businessman whose goal was to create popular plays that made money. But many today criticize him for his “unfair” or “nonhistorical” portrayals of some of history’s most famous figures. He understood the power of theater to please and delight audience members, relying on imagination rather than strict adherence to historical fact to shape his unforgettable characters and their world.

Tudor historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger dives into the world of Shakespeare’s history plays to examine their intent; how their author used English history and his creativity to tell stories that met his political and economic goals; and the ways these works continue to affect our understanding of history.

Sat., May 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-392; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Portugal: The Nation on the Edge

Far from being just “Spain’s little brother,” Portugal has its own fascinating history and culture. Medievalist Paul B. Sturtevant explores the background of the country that has alternated between peripheral frontier and seat of imperial power, international pariah and tourism darling. Topics covered include the founding of Lisbon, the second-oldest capital city in Europe; the forging of the kingdom; Portugal’s explorations; and the long-lived 20th-century dictatorship.

4-session series: Mon., June 2–23, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-470; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife

Death is the one thing all humans throughout history have in common, and yet it is still a mystery. Robert Garland, a professor emeritus of classics, explores the death-related beliefs and practices of a range of ancient cultures and traditions, including Egyptian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, early Christian, and Islamic. Garland puts himself in the sandals of ancient peoples and imagines how they sought—in ways that turn out to be remarkably similar to ours—to assist the dead on their journey to the next world. Garland is the author of What to Expect When You’re Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife (Princeton University Press), which is available for purchase.

Fri., June 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-468; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Give the Gif t of Color

Limited-edition prints from the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors Program capture brilliant and memorable worlds of color—and make great gifts for all occasions. For details, visit ArtCollectorsProgram.org

*Member pricing applies to Promoter level and above For membership levels visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

Blue Moonlight by April Gornik (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $950*

Detail of a caravel ship on a mosaic fountain in the Fidalga Palace and Gardens, Seixal, Portugal

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

A History of Hollywood Censorship

From the Hays Code to X-Rated Movies

From the beginnings of motion pictures in the 1890s, some civic authorities have felt they needed to be regulated to protect innocent young minds and discourage immorality. To counter the growing establishment of film censorship boards by cities and states, Hollywood eventually created the 1934 Hays Code, which set up strict rules of language and conduct for films. In 1968, the code was replaced by a voluntary ratings system. Yet 50-plus years later, that system continues to have its own problems. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the long history of movie censorship.

Wed., March 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-439; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

John Donne: Poet and Preacher

John Donne (1572–1631) was one of the greatest of English poets. A near contemporary of Shakespeare, he lived and wrote in the last years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and throughout that of her successor, James I. Donne is known as a metaphysical poet for his use of highly unusual similes and metaphors, often drawn from science, engineering, and cosmology. He produced erotic and often-cynical love poems; religious verse (the Holy Sonnets); and religious prose, including what are regarded as the greatest sermons of his era. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson discusses the life and achievements of Donne in the context of the 17th century and offers interpretations of several of his poetic and prose works.

Tues., March 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-560; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Rewards of Container Gardening

Karl Gercens, Longwood Gardens’ conservatory manager, explores the exciting possibilities of container garden design and display. He surveys the wide range of available container materials, including metal, wood, ceramics, and terracotta, and discusses the importance of carefully selecting the plantings that go into them. Gercens provides advice on plants that thrive in conditions of sun, shade, and wind (and even in the presence of animals), as well as tips on watering, fertilization, and pest and disease control. Photos of displays at Longwood Gardens offer inspiration for creating your own container garden.

Mon., March 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-126; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Great Composer-Pianists

Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Brahms

Popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin guides a unique look at the monumental keyboard talents of four great composer-pianists and how their performing virtuosity influenced the piano works we enjoy today. With a legacy of printed compositions but no recordings, how can we get closer to the moments of creation and performance when these artists poured out their genius for listeners?

Franklin offers a fascinating exploration into the creative minds—and hands—of a quartet of piano pioneers celebrated for their prowess as composers and performers. She concludes each lecture with a live performance of a work by the spotlighted composer.

4-session series: Mon., March 10–31, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-559; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Thou Shalt Not, protest photo by Whitey Schafer illustrating the Hays Code’s strictures

Container of conifers with a grouping of juniperus

John Donne by Isaac Oliver

Winter Wine Adventures

MAR 21 A Global Celebration of Women in Wine

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

Spend a fascinating evening expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a delectable wine-tasting adventure. This immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

It is scientifically proven that women have better senses of taste and smell than men, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most delicious and coveted wines in the world are made by them. In celebration of Women’s History Month, explore a delicious selection of wines made or managed by some of the most important women in the industry. This global tasting is sure to surprise and delight as we raise a glass to the women who are changing the wine world for the better.

Fri., March 21, 6 p.m.; CODE 1L0-617; Members $70; Nonmembers $80

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line). Patrons receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program

Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information.

In Person

Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song

Looking for a choral program that celebrates memorable music across the decades? This is the one for you. Ernest Johnson leads the ensemble in arrangements of the hits you know and love. Songs may include favorites by ABBA, Dolly Parton, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and others, selected by the conductor. (The final song list and musical arrangements are chosen to fit the specific vocal and musical abilities of the group.)

No audition is required. Singers receive general instruction in vocal techniques that include exercises in healthy breath management for singing and improving your singing tone and range. Rehearsals culminate in a free performance for invited guests (reservations are required).

12 sessions plus performance: Thurs., March 13–June 5, 6:30 p.m. (no rehearsal April 17); Thurs., June 12 performance, 7:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1P0-874; Members $150; Nonmembers $165

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The Psychology of Nostalgia

Derived from the Greek words “nostos” (return) and “algos” (pain), nostalgia is a central theme in The Odyssey as Odysseus longs for his day of return. Odysseus’ struggle to return to his homeland after the Trojan War is an early example of nostalgia in fiction.

Jeffrey Green, professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, dives into the psychology of nostalgia and similar forms of mental time travel. Green tackles questions such as what nostalgia is and whether it is a healthy emotion. Examining triggers—how foods, scents, and songs can transport us back to cherished memories—and the psychology behind these sensory experiences, Green also explores the connections between the senses and the emotional landscapes they evoke.

Thurs., March 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-059; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. each one offering a glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. In this monthly series, historian Justin M. Jacobs gives an in-depth overview of both well-known and lesser-known locations.

Programs on this page are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

Samarkand

Over the past 2,000 years, the city of Samarkand—located in what is now Uzbekistan—has absorbed the wealth and labors of Sogdian merchants, Manichean priests, Islamic astronomers, Mongol khans, Timurid emperors, Russian czars, and Soviet officials, all of whom attempted to use it as a base from which to conquer Central Asia. Jacobs analyzes the cultural achievements of each of these historical groups.

Wed., March 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-440; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Ancient Thebes

For approximately five centuries during the second millennium B.C.E., the Egyptian city of Thebes served as the backdrop for the construction of a bewildering array of religious temples, memorial complexes, and royal tombs. Jacobs introduces the chief cultural, religious, and political themes of the monuments of ancient Thebes: the Karnak and Luxor temples of the East Bank, the memorial temples of the West Bank, and the necropolis in the Valley of the Kings.

Wed., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-449; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Easter Island

The instantly recognizable moai statues of remote Easter Island pay silent tribute to the extraordinary seafaring skills of Polynesian migrants and their inventive stewardship of an ecologically fragile island. The rediscovery of Easter Island by Western explorers in the modern era has given rise to debates about how its original settlers reached such a distant location, how they were able to carve such large statues, and how the statues were transported. Jacobs draws on the latest scholarship and theories to explain how these giant statues came to dominate the most remote inhabited island in the world.

Wed., May 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-456; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Mogao Grottos

The Mogao Grottos of China are often referred to as an “art gallery in the desert.” For more than a thousand years, untold numbers of kings, merchants, monks, and nuns called the nearby desert oasis of Dunhuang home. Not far from town they sponsored the excavation and decoration of nearly 500 caves, each of which was bedecked in paintings that depicted Buddhist iconography, local folktales, and life along the Silk Road. Jacobs traces the history of the grottos, analyzes the wall paintings, and discusses the controversial fate of a secret “cave library” that was discovered in the early 20th century.

Wed., June 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-467; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt

The Avenue of Mausoleums at Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Easter Island moai statues at Rano Raraku

LIFELONG LEARNING

Buddha statue at Mogao Grottos

Ancient Foods and Flavors

What can bits of burned seeds, bones, or invisible residues on cups and plates tell us about food and cooking in the past? Archaeologists can go beyond the basic information they get from ancient leftovers to rediscover the cuisines of past peoples. Their investigations combine paleontology, geochemistry, medicine, art history, and dozens of experiments to connect with the fields, kitchens, campfires, and banquet tables of history.

Archaeologist Katherine Moore discusses current culinary research undertaken by the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, where she studies and teaches about ancient food in its Center for Analysis of Ancient Materials. She unfolds the stories of important flavors like chili peppers and chocolate and illustrates how the spread of foods and flavors among cultures and regions tells stories that have been hidden or forgotten. Wed., March 19, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-125; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

LIFELONG LEARNING In Person

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

2024–2025 Concert Series

Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as one of the crown jewels of the National Museum of American History.

Sun., April 6 | Jazz at the Cotton Club Harlem’s Cotton Club opened its doors to jazz from 1923 to 1940. Launching the careers of Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and many others, this uptown cabaret was instrumental in providing a home base for orchestras cultivating the fabric of modern music. SJMO features music from these legendary big bands including “The Mooche” by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills; “Harlem Camp Meeting” by Harry White and Cab Calloway; and “Organ Grinder’s Swing” by Will Hudson, Mitchell Parish, and Irving Mills.

Sat., June 14 | Jazz Rides the Rails

Led by A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized in 1925 to fight the substandard treatment and working conditions of African Americans in Pullman car service. To celebrate the centennial of this historic railroad labor union—the first of its kind—SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. Concert selections include “Last Train from Overbrook” by James Moody; “Blues in the Night” by Harold Arlen; and “9:20 Special” by Earle Warren, Bill Engvick and Jack Palmer.

Individual concerts: Sun., April 6 (CODE 1P0-871); Sat., June 14 (CODE 1P0-872); Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Please note: All concerts feature the full orchestra and take place at 7 p.m. at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History. Program content is subject to change.

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

In Person

LIFELONG LEARNING

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

2024–2025 Season

The 48th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the late-16th to the early 21st centuries, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. The repertoire ranges from acclaimed masterpieces to obscure gems by all-but-forgotten composers.

Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, again curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to many of the programs, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers. Concerts take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill.

For a full season overview visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati

Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m.

Mozart: Quartet in D Minor, K421/417b

Beethoven: Quartet in F Major, Op. 135

Ravel: Quartet in F Major

Masterworks of Five Centuries

Sun., March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Ferruccio Busoni, arr. Schönberg: Berceuse élégiaque

Gustav Mahler, arr. Slowik: Kindertotenlieder

Richard Strauss: Metamorphosen

Osvaldo Golijov: Tenebrae

Mischa Bouvier, guest soloist

The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra

Mischa Bouvier, baritone; Kenneth Slowik, conductor

Sat., March 29, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 30, 6:30 p.m.

4-hands Music of Franz Schubert

Naoko Takao and Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano

For concert schedules, repertoire, individual concert registrations, and bonus offerings for subscribers visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

All programs and artists subject to change. Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Kenneth Slowik, James Dunham, Marc Destrubé, and Mark Fewer

James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance

In 1948 at age 24, writer James Baldwin left New York for Paris to free himself from racism. Nine years later, a news photo compelled him to return: It depicted teenager Dorothy Counts facing a hostile white crowd as she made her way to integrate a high school in North Carolina. Back home, Baldwin wrote, marched, and made speeches to support the work of activist friends—including queer thinkers like himself who could not be openly out during the civil rights movement. Later in life, Baldwin talked more openly about his sexuality, but it was his commitment to bear witness during troubled times that inspired a range of notable leaders, writers, artists, and intellectuals. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery exhibition This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance honors Black queer force and its enduring spirit. Rhea Combs, the gallery’s director of curatorial affairs, provides an overview of the exhibition.

Wed., March 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-624: Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Enough Is Enuf

Why Isn’t English Easier To Spell?

Everyone has struggled with writing the English language. But if our system of writing words is so inconsistent, we should have standardized it, phoneticized it, brought it into line, and declared “Enough is enuf.” Legions of rebel wordsmiths have already risked their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. Mark Twain, Ben Franklin, C. S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, and Charles Darwin are among others on both sides of the Atlantic who became fanatically occupied with writing thru instead of through, laf for laugh, and dawter for daughter (and tried futilely to get everyone around them to do it, too.)

Gabe Henry, author of Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell, traces 500 years of efforts to wrestle our language’s spelling into submission and why technology might now be naturally simplifying it thanks to texting, X (aka Twitter), and emojis. Copies of Enough Is Enuf (HarperCollins) are available for sale.

Tues., April 1, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-127; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

“And Now, a Word From Our Sponsor”

The Early Days of TV Advertising

As soon as television began in the late 1940s, advertising was a vital part of the picture. The medium’s first big star, Milton Berle, appeared on “Texaco Star Theater,” while “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show” and “The Bell Telephone Hour” drew large weekly audiences.

Throughout the 1950s, advertisers controlled the content of a large part of prime time, selling their products through full program sponsorships. With the shift toward 30-second spots from a variety of companies in the 1960s, advertisers embraced new techniques. Media historian Brian Rose examines how advertising evolved during television’s first two decades and how it helped convince viewers that the key to happiness was to buy their way into the American dream.

Wed., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-446; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

James Baldwin, 1964

LIFELONG LEARNING

Elements of Fiction Writing

In a course for both beginning and seasoned writers, author Judy Pomeranz examines the basic elements of fiction such as plot, character, setting, and point of view and explores how these tools are deployed in effective storytelling. Discussions include finding story ideas; turning ideas into short stories and novels; creating compelling beginnings and endings; the logistics of writing; and the life of a writer. Optional writing assignments are offered for participants interested in practicing what will be examined in theory, along with brief exercises to stimulate creativity.

Pomeranz is the author of the novel Love Without Asterisks and Love on a Small Island, a collection of short fiction. She has also written numerous non-fiction articles, art reviews, and short stories published in a variety of newspapers and magazines.

2-session series: Wed., April 9 and 16, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-569; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

60

LIFELONG LEARNING In Person

A Toast to the Cocktail’s Ultimate Guide With Tasting

Anthropologists and historians have confirmed the central role alcohol has played in nearly every society since the dawn of civilization, but only recently has it become the subject of serious scholarly inquiry. The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, published in 2021, is the first major reference work to cover the subject from a global perspective and provides an authoritative and entertaining overview of this branch of the alcohol family. It covers drinks, processes, and techniques, as well as the history and culture of cocktail consumption. With entries ranging from the Manhattan to mixology, sloe gin to stills, it’s the ultimate guide to understanding what’s in your glass.

Assembling the massive compendium was no easy task. Editor in chief David Wondrich, associate editor Noah Rothbaum, and contributor Philip Greene serve up a lively and informative evening in which they discuss the challenges and rewards of creating this contribution to our understanding of civilized drinking. Four sample cocktails are served during the event, along with light snacks. Copies of The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails (Oxford University Press) are available for purchase and signing. Wed., April 9, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-630; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

“Take the Cannoli”: Understanding the Godfather Films

The Godfather, parts 1 and 2, are often listed as among the greatest films of all time. Together with part 3, these films constitute a powerful cinematic trilogy that explores the myth of Italian American culture, the refashioning of the gangster film genre, and the influence of European auteur cinema on the Hollywood studio system.

Joseph Luzzi, a literature professor at Bard College who also teaches courses on film and Italian studies, examines the cinematic techniques and themes that give the Godfather films their enduring appeal. He also considers the role this trilogy played in the career of director Francis Ford Coppola.

Sat., April 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-448; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

LIFELONG LEARNING

How To Read a Poem

For many of us, poetry can be intimidating. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson marks National Poetry Month by offering ways for those who are new to the form to approach poetry with comfort, confidence, and joy. For those who know poetry well, he provides a reminder of why good poetry is so satisfying—and necessary to a healthy civilization.

This two-part program begins with a Monday lecture exploring a selection of relatively short poems by authors who span the centuries, first to tease out their “argument” (a paraphrase of what’s going on in the poem), then to notice the ways in which poetic language, meter, and tone deepen and enrich the verse. After learning how to approach poetry, lecture participants are invited to return on Thursday for a smaller-capacity, interactive group discussion.

2-session series: Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m. (lecture) and Thurs., April 17, 6:30 p.m. (group discussion); CODE 1K0-573; Members $65; Nonmembers $85

Lecture only: Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-574; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

99% Perspiration

Does America’s Work Culture Still Work?

Americans work more hours, take fewer days off, move more for their jobs, and enjoy fewer benefits than everyone else in the Western working world. Nearly 40% of Americans say they’re failing to get ahead despite working hard. And Americans believe a good career is more impor tant to a fulfilling life than close friendships, marriage, or children. Drawing on his new book, 99% Perspiration, journalist Adam Chandler examines the realities of how work defines us and what work culture costs us.

Chandler discusses how this American dream and nightmare came to be and why success stories often have little to do with grit, hustle, or determination. He examines the history and modern story of work and showcases experiments from around the country and the world that offer blueprints for a better and more sustainable way forward, such as France’s “right to disconnect” and Denmark’s 37-hour work week.

Copies of 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life (Pantheon) are available for purchase.

Tues., April 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-628; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Where Harry Met Sally

The Cuisine and Culture of the Jewish Deli

For much of the 20th century, the deli was an iconic institution in both Jewish and American life, a kind of homeland for the soul—with pickles on the side. As a social space it rivaled, and in some ways surpassed, the synagogue as the primary gathering place for the Jewish community. Today, after a long period of being considered hopelessly old-fashioned, the Jewish deli is experiencing a nostalgic resurgence.

Ted Merwin, the National Jewish Book Award–winning author of Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, discusses the past, present, and future of the deli in an age of ethnic nostalgia, sustainability, and artisanal food and drink. He traces the deli from its origins in Germany and Eastern Europe to its development in this country into a quintessential part of urban Jewish life.

Wed., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-629; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A

Early morning at Katz's Delicatessen, featured in the film When Harry Met Sally

Spring Wine Adventures

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

Spend three fascinating evenings expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

April 18 The Caucasus Caucus: The Wines of Georgia

This country on the eastern edge of the Black Sea is recognized as one of the birthplaces of wine. Georgia’s more than 500 native grapes provide a new range of flavors for wine lovers to discover. This immersive tasting explores the full rainbow of Georgian wines from white to amber-orange to red… and holds a few surprises.

May 16 Give ’Em the Boot: Wines from the Foot of Italy

The southern regions of Italy produce some of the most exquisite warm-climate wines that channel the essence of the Mediterranean. From Puglia (the heel), Basilicata (the instep), Calabria (the toe), and Sicily (“kicked” by the boot), this sampling of delicious wines invites you to step up and learn to drink like an Italian sommelier.

JUNE 13 Rhône Rangers: Rhône Varieties from Around the World

The native grapes of the Rhône Valley produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines. These hardy warm-climate grapes are becoming even more important as climate change causes winemakers to rethink the wines they produce. Sample some of the most prolific Rhône varieties from countries near and far.

3-session series: Fri., April 18, Fri., May 16, and Fri., June 13, 6 p.m.; CODE 2WINE2025; 6 p.m.; Members $180; Nonmembers $210

Individual sessions: Fri., April 18 (CODE 1L0-631); Fri., May 16 (CODE 1L0-632); Fri., June 13 (CODE 1L0-633); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line).

NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program.

Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information

Plato: His Life in Athens

Plato is a key figure from the beginnings of Western philosophy, yet the impact of his lived experience on his thought has rarely been explored. Born during a war that would lead to Athens’ decline, he lived in deeply unsettled times.

Carol Atack, a fellow and director of studies in classics at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, explores how Plato’s life in Athens influenced his thinking; his development of the Socratic dialogue into a powerful philosophical tool; and how he used the institutions of Athenian society to create a compelling imaginative world.

Looking through the lens of his turbulent life, Atack illustrates how Plato made Athens the place where diverse ideas were integrated into a new way of approaching the big questions about life. Her book Plato: A Civic Life (Reaktion Books) is available for purchase.

Fri., May 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-570; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

May the 4th Be With You

The Smithsonian Celebrates Star Wars Day

Star Wars is a global phenomenon that people celebrate on May 4th every year. In conversation, Smithsonian curators celebrate the Star Wars universe, its monumental legacy in pop culture, and its place in a familiar galaxy not so far, far away.

Space History department chair Margaret A. Weitekamp of the National Air and Space Museum explains how the influential vision of Star Wars can be understood by considering artifacts from action figures to props and vehicles used in the films. Curator Ryan Lintelman and conservator Dawn Wallace from the National Museum of American History discuss the journey of C-3P0 and R2-D2 to their new home at the museum. The event is moderated by NPR host Eric Deggans Sun., May 4, 3 p.m.; CODE 1T0-018; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

From Bach and Beethoven to Balanchine and Baryshnikov

First the Music, Then the Dance

Discover the latent physicality in great concert music, compositions never intended for dance that were brought to visual life in the imaginative concepts of modern choreographers. Drawing on beloved music by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Beethoven, and some of the greatest music from the Romantic era and beyond, classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein discusses how these masterworks fused with the talents of choreographers including George Balanchine, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp and with some of the world’s renowned dancers and ensembles. Examine how choreographers and their dancers found a way to express what the music meant to them emotionally and how it was translated into another dimension—bodily movement. Sessions are highlighted by recordings and clips of extraordinary music and dance performances.

5-session series: Tues., May 6–June 3, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-389; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Rethinking Mark Twain: From Huckleberry Finn to Percival Everett’s James

Percival Everett’s novel James from 2024 powerfully rewrites Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the runaway slave Jim. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi explores the issues and themes that drive both of these groundbreaking works. He considers how Everett’s modern re-imagining of one of the most canonical works in literature addresses major concerns in American life today, especially ones related to race and the legacy of slavery.

Sat., May 10, 10 a.m–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-454; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

The Changing Face of Television

YouTube, Bingeing, Streaming, and Beyond

Watching television used to be a fairly simple enterprise: You turned on the set, selected one of 500 channels, and enjoyed your program. Now more and more viewers are canceling cable television, preferring to watch online-only channels like Netflix or Disney+. An entire generation of younger viewers has given up on the TV set altogether in favor of their laptops and phones. And tens of thousands of kids and teenagers have started their own TV networks on YouTube.

Tues., May 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-460; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 60

Drawing on video clips, media historian Brian Rose explains why the old days of simply “watching TV” are fast disappearing.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Saul Lilienstein

LIFELONG LEARNING

Exploring the Cuisine and Culture of Catalonia

As a leader in food and gastronomic excellence and a pioneer in wine tourism, Catalonia on Spain’s Iberian Peninsula boasts a cuisine that reflects its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant people, and enduring customs. It has been designated as the 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, marking the first time a European region has received this distinction. A series of special programs and events welcomes you to uncover the distinctive features of Catalan food and wine.

A History of Catalan Cuisine: From the Middle Ages to Molecular Gastronomy

Historian Paul Freedman of Yale University explores the uniqueness of Catalonia’s food within the Mediterranean, highlighting its status as a cutting-edge force in the world of gastronomy and delving into how Catalan cuisine has, over the centuries, integrated various influences that have enriched its diverse traditions.

Thurs., May 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-637; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Master of the Amsterdam Bodegón, ca. 1610–1625

Wines of Catalonia With tasting

Dinner at Casa Teresa

From coastal vineyards to mountainous terrains, Catalonia’s wines boast an extraordinary range of personalities and styles, driven by unique terroirs, indigenous varieties, and time-honored techniques. Celebrate this rich heritage as Barcelonian sommelier Lucas Payà, a global wine educator and authority on Spanish wine, hosts a master class and tasting experience that explores a culture where wine is not just a drink but a story of place, tradition, and innovation. Registration includes a lecture, curated wine tasting, and light snacks.

Thurs., June 26, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-638; Members $50; Nonmembers $65

Inspired by the life and cooking of his abuela Teresa, chef Rubén García founded Casa Teresa in downtown Washington as an homage to the home cooks who created the tradition of Catalan cuisine. Enjoy a menu designed for Smithsonian Associates that reflects García’s roots in simple, wood-fired dishes that offer diners a taste of the big family feasts from his childhood in Catalonia. Registration includes a three-course dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. Wine, beer, and cocktails are not included but can be ordered separately.

Wed., July 9, 6 p.m.; Casa Teresa, 919 19th St. NW; CODE 1L0639; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Little Goddesses and Burial Mounds

Earthly Religions in Early India

A. A. Milne and a Century of Winnie-the-Pooh

Two thousand years ago in northern India, artisans fabricated beautiful diminutive terracotta female figurines in great abundance, sculptors carved colossal stone deities they called yakshas (male) and yakshis (female), and Buddhists began to decorate the burial mounds holding the relics of their founding teachers with exuberant narrative and symbolic sculptures. Richard Davis, a professor emeritus of religion, delves into the world of the flourishing popular religious cultures of India in the centuries from 200 B.C.E. to the year 100. His new book, Religions of Early India: A Cultural History (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., May 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-461; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

An Introduction to Dr. Johnson

Samuel Johnson was a literary giant of 18th-century England. Born in Lichfield, Johnson came south to London as a young man and by the sheer force of his genius became the “literary dictator” of his era. He singlehandedly wrote the first modern dictionary of the English language; the period’s equivalent of a blog, The Rambler; the magnificent Preface to Shakespeare (whose works he edited); and brief biographies of most of the notable English poets in The Lives of the Poets. He was also a brilliant conversationalist, whose witty, insightful, and often snarky pronouncements were recorded by James Boswell in one of the greatest biographies in English. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson discusses Johnson’s life and achievements, looks at the London of his era, and offers a sampling of his writings and passages from Boswell’s biography.

Tues., June 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-577; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

One hundred years ago, A. A. Milne published a whimsical short story called “The Wrong Sort of Bees,” introducing the world to a “bear of very little brain” called Winnie-thePooh. Milne had already established himself as a successful humorist, playwright, and novelist, but nothing could have prepared him for the thunderclap of fame that followed the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. These books, together with his two collections of children’s verse, made him one of the most beloved and bestselling authors of all time. A century later, generations of young readers remain captivated by the doings of Pooh, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Kanga, Tigger, and Piglet. Celebrate the centenary of Winniethe-Pooh as author Daniel Stashower delves into Milne’s life and legacy and actor Scott Sedar brings some of his most beloved works to life.

Wed., May 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-097; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A History of the Movie Musical

From The

Jazz Singer to A Star Is Born

As soon as movies could talk, they began to sing and dance. Over the next nine decades, the movie musical evolved to embrace every type of performance, from operetta to rock to tap to ballet. Musicals drew on Broadway hits and original creations from composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin. Media historian Brian Rose traces the history of musicals and shows more than 30 excerpts spotlighting artists including Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, the Nicholas Brothers, and the Beatles.

Thurs., June 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-465; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Lobby card for the 1943 musical film Stormy Weather with Lena Horne and Bill Robinson

Samuel Johnson by Joshua Reynolds, 1775

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Advice on Living Longer from the Blue Zones

With WebMD’s John Whyte

In some areas of the world, called Blue Zones, the people who reside there live longer than the average person. Many of them have lower rates of cancer and heart disease, their stress levels are minimal, and their happiness levels rate high.

So what do these people living near or in several towns in California, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica, and Sardinia have in common? Find out what you can do to better align your lifestyle with those of Blue Zone inhabitants—without having to relocate. Should you drink a glass of wine with dinner every night or walk 10,000 steps daily? John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer, shares practical tips for longer lives—in your zone and beyond.

Mon., March 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-554; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

A Natural History Road Trip

Badlands to Yellowstone

Wild Wings

Fascinating Pollinators and Their Stories

What do an annoying house fly, the nearly endangered Mexican long-tongued bat, and a poop-eating butterfly have in common? Each creature, respectively, is the reason we can enjoy a bite of chocolate, a nip of a tequila, or the calming scent of lavender.

Naturalist and educator Liana Vitali of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland tells fascinating stories about pollinators around the world. Surveying bees and bats and everything in between, her vignettes offer an entertaining, informative glimpse into the lives of these pollinating winged marvels—and how our lives depend largely on their unique and wild ways.

Thurs., March 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-556; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Join naturalist Keith Tomlinson on a virtual Great Western adventure that spans from South Dakota to the mighty heights of Yellowstone. He highlights geology, wildlife, biogeography, conservation initiatives, native peoples, and recreational opportunities along the way. Begin at the colorful Badlands National Park, move on to Mount Rushmore, and then to the grand volcanic monolith of Wyoming’s Devils Tower. Adventuring farther west, take in the remote Cloud Peak Wilderness, crown jewel of the often-overlooked Big Horn Mountains, and conclude at Yellowstone National Park, with its extraordinary ecology balanced delicately atop one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Wed., March 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-112; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Fire and Ice: Antarctica’s Volcanic History

Unlikely as it may seem, the icy continent of Antarctica has a fiery volcanic past—and future. Ever since explorers set foot on the continent, more has been learned about its rich geologic history and volcanic activity. Volcanologist Samuel Mitchell highlights Antarctica’s active volcanoes and how they are researched by scientists today, as well as how volcanoes have affected wildlife and were once home to the whaling industry. Mitchell explains how volcanic and magmatic activity shaped the continent and how tectonic plate movement doomed Antarctica to its icy fate.

Fri., March 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-443; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

John Whyte

Mount Erebus, Antarctica

The Balanced Brain

The Science of Mental Health

The human brain is constantly adapting to life’s turbulence to maintain health. But what happens when balance falters? Neuroscientist Camilla Nord delves into how our brains strive for equilibrium. From the neurobiology of pleasure, pain, and desire to the role of mood-mediating chemicals, she examines the foundations of mental health in the brain.

Nord surveys the evolving landscape of mental health interventions, the groundbreaking scientific developments that are revolutionizing the way we think about mental health, and how the seemingly small things we use to lift our moods—a piece of chocolate, a walk, a chat with a friend—work on the same pathways in our brains as the latest treatments for mental health. Nord’s book, The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Fri., April 4, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-091; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A Geologic Tour of Iceland

Explore spectacular scenery and a geologic overview of Iceland in a virtual field trip led by volcanologist Kirt Kempter, who has led more than 30 tours to the country for the Smithsonian since his first visit in 1995. Geologic highlights include the boundary between North American and Eurasian plates; unusual volcanoes that form beneath vast glaciers; famous volcanic eruptions, including those of the small island of Heimaey in 1973 and ice-capped Eyjafjallajökull in 2010; and older historic eruptions that affected global climate and human populations. Kempter employs maps, photographs, diagrams, and Google Earth images to spotlight the key features that make Iceland a bucket-list destination for all geologists.

Mon., April 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-128; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Language of Symmetry

Linking Theoretical Physics and the Everyday World

The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem

Every day the average person draws in 2,000 gallons of air—and with it, thousands of living things. The bacteria, fungi, algae, and other organisms that inhabit the air in an invisible ecosystem known as the aerobiome constitute one of the last great frontiers of science.

New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer draws on his new book, Air-Borne, to examine how its nature was discovered by aerobiology pioneers who were doubted for generations. He contextualizes the recent pandemic as part of a bigger, largely untold story and explores how the aerobiome is an essential part of a living world— a place where the oceans and forests loft trillions of cells into the air, where microbes eat clouds, and where life soars thousands of miles on the wind.

Copies of Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe (Dutton) are available for purchase.

Thurs., April 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-627; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

What do the music of J.S. Bach, the fundamental forces of nature, Rubik’s Cube, and the selection of mates have in common? They are all characterized by certain symmetries. Symmetry is the concept that bridges science and art, between the world of theoretical physics and the everyday world that we see around us. Yet the language of symmetry—the mathematical branch of group theory—emerged from a most unlikely source: an equation that couldn’t be solved.

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio explains how symmetry underlies not only some of the most important phenomena in our lives and in the evolution of humans but also the laws governing our universe. Along the way, he tells the gripping story of several brilliant mathematicians who discovered the language of symmetry, including two geniuses who tragically died young.

Wed., April 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-381; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Kvernufoss waterfall in Iceland

The NASA Landolt Space Mission

George Mason University will be home to the new NASA Landolt space mission, which aims to put an artificial star into orbit around Earth. The goal is to allow scientists to calibrate telescopes and more accurately measure the brightnesses of stars. The science associated with the project and what astronomers hope to learn from it are explained by Peter Plavchan, the mission’s principal investigator and associate professor of physics and astronomy at the university.

Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, George Mason Observatory director Rob Parks brings the skies into your living room with remote control of the observatory, weather permitting.

Tues., May 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1J0-452; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory

The Hidden World of Baby Animals

Entire ecosystems rest on the shoulders (or tentacles or jointed exoskeletons) of animal babies. At any given moment, babies represent the majority of animal life on Earth. Biologist Danna Staaf explores these tiny lives and discover some of nature’s most ingenious workings. For example, a salamander embryo breathes with the help of algae inside its cells, the young grub of a Goliath beetle dwarfs its parents, and the spotted beak of a parasitic baby bird tricks adults of other species into feeding it. Our planet needs them all, the maggots as much as the kittens.

Wed., May 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-453; Members $20; Nonmember $25

Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth

Life thrives in the deepest, darkest recesses of Earth’s crust, and it is unlike anything seen on the surface. Discovered only in recent decades, intraterrestrials—bizarre subsurface beings that can live for millions of years—can exist in boiling water, pure acid, and even bleach.

Biologist Karen Lloyd offers a firsthand account of the remarkable hunt for life beneath Earth’s surface and how new discoveries are challenging our most basic assumptions about the nature of life on Earth. Lloyd’s new book, Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., May 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-019; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Taking the Wild Out of the Animal

A Story of Siberian Silver Foxes

Tucked away in Siberia, there are furry, four-legged creatures with wagging tails and floppy ears that are as docile and friendly as any lapdog. But, despite appearances, these are not dogs but foxes. They are the result of one of the most astonishing experiments in breeding ever undertaken, intended to speed up thousands of years of evolution into a few decades. Evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin takes you inside this groundbreaking experiment by Soviet biologists Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut, begun in 1959.

Mon., May 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-455; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Siberian silver fox

Gouldian finch hatchling

The Neuroscience of Choice and Change

Whether deciding on lunch or a career, changing our routines or other people’s minds, it can feel difficult to make the decisions that align with the things we care about. Neuroscientist Emily Falk, author of What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change, reveals the hidden calculations that shape our daily decisions—and how to make more fulfilling, impactful choices in our work, relationships, and lives.

Falk, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Communication Neuroscience Lab, explains how we can work strategically with our brains to make more fulfilling choices by connecting our decisions with our core values, which can make us less defensive, broaden our curiosity through different perspectives, and spark innovation. Copies of What We Value (W. W. Norton & Company) are available for sale.

Mon., May 19, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-132; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Identifying the Clouds

King Tyrant

What We’ve Learned About Tyrannosaurus rex Tyrannosaurus rex is the world’s favorite dinosaur, adored by the public and the subject of intense study and debate by paleontologists. Drawing on his new book, King Tyrant: A Natural History of Tyrannosaurus rex, Mark P. Witton examines what we’ve learned about the “King of the Tyrant Lizards” since it was first given its famous name in 1905. Witton discusses everything from the research history of T. rex to anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, behavior, and extinction. He also addresses T. rex in popular culture, showing how our love for this dinosaur has both helped and hindered research.

Copies of King Tyrant (Princeton University Press) are available for purchase.

Wed., May 28, 12 p.m.; CODE 1L0-636; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The mystery of clouds has captivated scientists and artists alike. Atmospheric scientist Edward Graham draws on his new book, Clouds: How to Identify Nature’s Most Fleeting Forms, as he shares the meteorological techniques of nephology (the study of clouds and cloud formation) that offer skyward-gazers insights into these elusive and transmutable shapes. He explains the physics of clouds, from the basic constituents of Earth’s atmosphere to cloud formation and dissipation; the colors and shades of clouds; the development of precipitation; and the timescale evolution of clouds. He also showcases artists who painted clouds from a scientific viewpoint, such as John Constable, Frederic Edwin Church, J.M.W. Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich. Copies of Clouds (Princeton University Press) are available for sale.

Thurs., May 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1L0-640; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

How Animals Heal Themselves

Ages before the dawn of modern medicine, wild animals were harnessing the power of nature’s pharmacy to heal themselves. Drawing on interviews with scientists from around the globe as well as his own research, biologist Jaap de Roode reveals what researchers are learning about such practices. Hear about apes who swallow leaves to dislodge worms, sparrows who use cigarette butts to repel parasites, and bees who incorporate sticky resin into their hives to combat pathogens.

De Roode is the author of Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves (Princeton University Press), which is available for purchase.

Thurs., May 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-463; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

These programs are part of

Illustration by Mark P. Witton

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

World Art History Certificate core courses: Earn 1 credit each

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Parts II and III)

Across the centuries, there are major themes in the history of art that continue to appear and reappear and that artists have interpreted in styles ranging from the naturalistic to surreal. Art historian Joseph Cassar examines important masterworks within selected genres and offers a new way to understand and appreciate the similarities—and the uniqueness—among artists and the cultural norms that influenced their choices.

PART II: The Nude, History, Fantasy, and Animals

4-session series: Wed., March 5–26, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-555; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

PART III: Love, Still-Life, Perspective, and Light and Shade

4-session series: Wed., June 4–25, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-576; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

John Singer Sargent

No art better exemplifies the Belle Époque than the lavish portraits of the rich, famous, and fashionable from both sides of the Atlantic created by John Singer Sargent. The American-born artist who spent most of his life in Europe captured them in works characterized by loose, sensuous brushwork, rich colors, and astute psychological insights conveyed through facial features, hands, and posture. He also created a unique body of watercolors that convey with simplicity and economy of brushstrokes the very essence of a place—often back alleys and byways that reveal urban life beyond the grand boulevards and depict very different lifestyles than those enjoyed by his portrait subjects. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz presents an overview of Sargent’s output in the context of his time, as well as an examination of the stylistic and formal elements that set his work apart from that of his contemporaries and even successors.

Thurs., March 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-561; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

You love art. Now go deeper.

Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. To truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was created. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers a World Art History Certificate Program.

The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. They are selected from among Smithsonian Associates courses, seminars, study tours, and studio art classes.

Look for World Art History Certificate throughout the program guide to see current listings. Get started today and complete the certificate requirements at your own pace. Registration is ongoing; for a limited time, new participants receive a World Art History Certificate tote bag. Credits are counted from day of registration and are not given retroactively.

SmithsonianAssociates.org/artcertificate

The Night Watch (detail) by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

Still Life with Apples and Peaches by Paul Cezanne, ca. 1905

Madame X (detail) by John Singer Sargent, 1884

Art-full Fridays | Live from Italy, with Elaine Ruffolo

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

Elaine Ruffolo, a Florence-based Renaissance art historian, examines the rich heritage of Italian art and architecture

Donatello: Artist of the Florentine Renaissance

Working amid the vibrant creativity of Florence in the 15th century, Donatello created sculptural works that encompass emotions from unabashed joy and frivolity to formal grandeur to deeply personal religious conviction. A technical master, he broke new ground in the methods he used and the forms he chose to develop, leaving behind a legacy of works that seem startlingly modern.

Ruffolo highlights the life and work of this artist who embodied the ideas of the Renaissance in sculpture. Donatello’s creations—whether the elegant “David,” the dynamic “Saint George,” or the deeply moving “Penitent Magdalene”—speak to universal human experiences that continue to captivate viewers today.

Fri., March 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-086; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Botticelli: Money, Beauty, and Repentance

Sandro Botticelli emerged from the vibrant and turbulent milieu of late 15th-century Florence. His work exemplifies the rich tapestry of Italian Renaissance art, characterized by its revival of classical themes and exploration of humanism. Masterpieces such as The Birth of Venus and Primavera showcase his remarkable mastery of line, form, and mythological narrative.

Botticelli’s career flourished under the patronage of the Medici family, but his trajectory was significantly affected by the dramatic events of the day, notably the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497. Ignited by the sermons of Girolamo Savonarola, it saw countless artworks condemned as immoral and destroyed—and marked a turning point in Botticelli’s life and work. Ruffolo traces the artist’s journey from his early triumphs as a Medici favorite to his later years shaped by religious zeal and spiritual introspection.

Fri., April 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-092; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

From Shepherd to Hero: The Artistic Evolution of David

The figure of David has captivated artists and audiences for centuries, embodying faith, heroism, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. From the Middle Ages to the Baroque era, his image undergoes a fascinating transformation—from symbolic, stylized depictions to a dynamic, humanized hero. Each evolution in his portrayal reflects broader shifts in cultural values, artistic techniques, and societal contexts.

Ruffolo examines key works by masters such as Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini, showcasing how each reimagines David. His image emerges as a powerful marker of artistic expression, theological insight, and humanist philosophy that reveals the intricate intersection of art, faith, and society, offering a compelling lens through which to explore centuries of artistic innovation and cultural change.

Fri., May 23, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-096; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Saint George by Donatello

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli, ca. 1482

Sculptures of David by Donatello (left); Gian Lorenzo Bernini (center); and Michelangelo (right)

Writing Workshops

Write Into Art

Mary Hall Surface

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more. The workshops have a limited enrollment to maximize interaction among the instructor and students.

Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. In an online workshop, explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. Visual art inspires writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice.

MAR 4 View: From Above

Tues., March 4, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-549; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Winds of Change

A Reflective Writing Workshop

Inspired by the masterful prints of one of Japan’s most innovative artists, Katsushika Hokusai, and by poetry across time, slow down, look closely, and reflect to explore the metaphor of wind in our world and in our lives.

Tues., March 25, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-563; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Give Sorrow Words

A Reflective Writing Workshop

The experience of grief is universal and yet we often feel alone and unmoored when faced with loss. In this online workshop, discover how reflective writing can offer a creative buoy for engaging with loss. Inspired by works of visual art and poetry, participants give words to grief through a gentle series of reflective writing prompts. Experience a process in which reflection and writing become a place of comfort and a space for holding sorrow as well as remembrance.

Tues., May 13, 10 a.m. CODE 1K0-582; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Ejiri in Suruga Province (Sunshū Ejiri), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by Katsushika Hokusai

The Farm by Kenjiro Nomura, 1934

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th

LIFELONG LEARNING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Two Glass Houses: An Entangled History

During the late 1940s, two glass-walled pavilions designed by leading architects of the period became the most written about and photographed International Style homes. From their beginnings to today, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s weekend house for Chicago nephrologist Edith Farnsworth and the residence it inspired, Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut, have been intertwined. The executive directors of both National Trust sites, Scott Mehaffey (The Edith Farnsworth House) and Kirsten Reoch (The Glass House), discuss the fascinating shared history of these icons of the Modernist movement.

Sun., March 16, 2 p.m.; CODE 1L0-625; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Art of Colonial India

During India’s colonial period (1757–1947), the British imperial system sought out Indian resources for exploitation and had a dramatic impact on the traditional arts and crafts of the subcontinent. Robert DeCaroli, a professor in the department of history and art history at George Mason University, traces the rising influence of European powers in South Asia. He begins with the art of the late Mughal Empire and delves into the expansion of the British East India Company and development of the Raj. Topics include late art of the Mughal Empire, Company painting, Orientalism, photography, traditional crafts for domestic and foreign markets, Indo-Saracenic architecture, and colonial museums.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Why, Oh Why, Do We Love Paris?

The Timeless Charm of the City of Light

4-session course: Tues., March 25–April 15, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-445; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

What’s behind the elusive je ne sais quoi that gives Paris its powerful appeal? A wealth of landmark churches from the great Gothic Notre-Dame de Paris to the delicate Sainte-Chapelle? Perhaps it’s the Art Nouveau entrances that frame the Paris Metro stations. Or the Centre Pompidou, with its inside-out industrial architecture. It might also be the city’s propensity to transform itself. For example, the Louvre—a medieval fortress, then royal residence, then world-class museum—was again reimagined with the addition of I.M. Pei’s controversial pyramid-shaped entrance.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton unravels Paris's evolution into a global cultural icon, delving into its history of art and architecture shaped by remarkable creators. From the Middle Ages to today, she illuminates the enduring allure and timeless secrets of the City of Light.

2-session series: Sat., March 22 and 29, 1:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-087; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

The Edith Farnsworth House

The Glass House

The Gateway of India in Mumbai, India

Group of Courtesans, Company style, 19th century, northern India

Lesser-Known Museums and Churches of Italy

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

In this ongoing series, Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero spotlights the significant collections of sometimes-overlooked museums and churches throughout Italy.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) Siena

The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, or Cathedral Museum, in Siena, Italy, houses works of art and architectural fragments that were formerly in, or a part of, the Duomo of Siena (Siena Cathedral). These include a number of Italian Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and his school from the façade of the cathedral; the Maestà of Duccio di Buoninsegna, which was the altarpiece for about 200 years; and works by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known museum and its treasures.

Wed., March 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-441; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Church and Museum of San Lorenzo

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, or Gallery of the Academy of Florence, is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture “David.” However, the museum is also home to several other important sculptures by Michelangelo as well as a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists. Ruggiero highlights this small but mighty museum that owns four of Michelangelo’s “Slave” sculptures, Pontormo’s Venus and Cupid, Maestro della Maddalena’s St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories of Her Life, and several Man of Sorrows images.

Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-450; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Capodimonte Museum

The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the largest, and most recognizable, churches in Florence, Italy. It was the parish church of the Medici family and features the historically defining dome covering the Medici Chapels that can be seen from across the city. Ruggiero highlights San Lorenzo’s treasures, including Brunelleschi’s Old Sacristy, decorations and sculptures by Donatello, and the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo.

Mon., May 19, 6:30 p.m.;

CODE 1J0-458; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Located in Naples, the Capodimonte Museum is one of the largest museums in Italy. Housed in the museum is the Galleria Nazionale, which features one of the best repositories of Neapolitan painting and decorative art as well as works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Artemisia Gentileschi, and many others. Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known art museum’s impressive and expansive collection.

Tues., June 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-466; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Virtual reconstruction of the front panel of Duccio's Maestà

Venus and Cupid by Pontormo, ca. 1533

Boy Blowing an Ember by El Greco between 1570 and 1572

The interior of the San Lorenzo basilica

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Joseph Cornell

The enigmatic boxes created by Joseph Cornell (1903–1972) have confounded, astonished, and entranced viewers for decades. The mysterious juxtapositions of ordinary objects that the artist purchased at bookshops and junk shops and otherwise casually acquired have been parsed, interpreted, speculated upon, and simply reveled in by art historians and average observers alike.

Cornell’s personal story is as fascinating as his art. Living nearly his entire life in his mother’s modest home in Queens, he never sought the limelight even as fame and honors came to him. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz examines the artist’s fascinating life and why his iconic boxes continue to touch the hearts and souls of people around the world.

Thurs., March 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-565; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

AI and Art Authentication

The Future of Forensics

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of art authentication. Art historian Noah Charney and Carina Popovici, co-founder of Art Recognition, an AI-driven art verification company in Switzerland, examine how machine learning is revolutionizing the process of determining artwork authenticity.

They reveal how AI analyzes brushstrokes, patterns, and pigments with precision beyond human capability, offering groundbreaking solutions to combat art forgery and identify authorship. Charney and Popovici share images from Art Recognition projects as they discuss investigations into works thought to be by Raphael, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Thurs., March 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-852; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Reflections on

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Leonardo da Vinci and the Idea of the Renaissance Man

It would be hard to challenge the claim that Leonardo da Vinci is the most diversely talented individual ever to have lived. Even to describe him as the prime example of the “Renaissance man” seems to fall short for an expert in invention, sculpture, architecture, painting, science, music, engineering, anatomy, and astronomy—a list that only scratches the surface of the famed polymath. Against the dynamic backdrop of Renaissance Italy, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine highlights some of the most remarkable aspects of Leonardo’s life, work, and creative thinking. She discusses his artistic and intellectual development; his role as a painter of sacred objects; intimate works depicting the women in his life; and the unanswered questions raised by some of his paintings.

Fri., March 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-566; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Vermeer: From Whistler to Hopper

Though Johannes Vermeer was well regarded among artists and art lovers of his generation, after the end of the 17th century he was essentially forgotten. It was only in the 1860s that he was slowly rediscovered thanks to the French critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger, who encountered his works in different museums—often with incorrect attributions.

Within years, some of Vermeer’s most distinctive characteristics, including his taste for intimate, psychologically charged interiors and his sensitivity to light and color, found reflections in works by artists such as Whistler, Degas, and Vuillard—and later, Edward Hopper. Art historian Aneta Georgievska Shine looks at the facets of this “Vermeer effect” among European and American painters.

Mon., March 31, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-564; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 by James McNeill Whistler

Hotel de Hollande by Joseph Cornell, 1955

Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (ca. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi

ROYAL COLLECTION, UNITED KINGDOM

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Jean-Michel Basquiat

The Los Angeles Years

American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat soared to great heights during the 1980s with his blending of graffiti, street art, and Neo-Expressionism. His works are immediately recognizable through his signature bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a distinctive combination of iconographic symbols and text.

Fred Hoffman came to know the young New York artist during his 1982–84 stay in Los Angeles, where they collaborated in the medium of silk screen. He later helped arrange the first museum survey of Basquiat’s work for the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh, Scottland, and has written four books on the artist. Hoffman offers reflections on Basquiat, focusing on highlights of their two-year collaborative period.

Thurs., April 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-017; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance (1918–1940) was a period of intense creative productivity and expression for Black culture in the United States. Black artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals such as Augusta Savage, James Van Der Zee, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington used their work to demonstrate artistic genius and to advocate for racial equality and social change.

Art historian LaNitra Berger highlights the visual artists of the Harlem Renaissance, including Jacob Lawrence and Meta Warrick Fuller, to understand their creative process, how they approached their art, and how to interpret their work. More than 100 years after the movement began, its legacy continues to influence American art and culture.

Mon., April 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-856; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

The Genius of Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was one of the most influential artists of the Modern period. He reinvented himself every few years with groundbreaking developments that would change the course of art. Art historian Joseph P. Cassar looks at Picasso’s early years, his Blue and Rose Periods, his masterpiece Guernica, and his lifetime of artistic experimentation and innovation. Throughout, he provides a critical analysis of the artist’s works and examples of how Picasso manifests his playfulness and genius.

4-session series: Wed., April 9–30, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-567; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Fred by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Pablo Picasso, 1962

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Caravaggio Case

An Art History Whodunnit

Caravaggio’s Saint Matthew cycle—three paintings commissioned for Rome’s church of San Luigi dei Francesi—was the artist’s first major public work. Like many other of his paintings, they come with a backstory. And in this case, a mystery or two.

The series focuses on major characters in Saint Matthew’s story, but there are conflicting theories of who is represented and who might be missing. In The Calling of Saint Matthew which figure depicts the saint? How can we spot the killer in

The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew among the red-herring suspects Caravaggio has planted to mislead viewers? Art historian and author Noah Charney deciphers a Baroque detective story centered on a complicated artist (with a murder in his history) that offers a novel way to approach and appreciate the genius behind the paintings.

Thurs., April 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-858; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Sacred Serenity: The Paintings of Giovanni Bellini

Born into a family of painters around 1430, Giovanni Bellini became the most prominent and sought-after painter in Venice during the later 15th century. His long career extended across a period that saw the introduction of new artistic mediums and technologies, including that of oil painting, which allowed Bellini to achieve extraordinary effects in the rendering of color and light.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University offers an overview of Bellini’s extraordinary career, charting the development of his style through an analysis of works ranging from small devotional panels depicting the tender interactions of Mary and baby Jesus, to majestic multi-figure altarpieces rich with architectural decoration, to narrative works that showcase lush, verdant landscapes—all of which are characterized by an air of refinement and serenity.

Fri., April 25, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-388; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Painters in Provence: From Van Gogh to Matisse

The South of France, with its glorious light and varied vistas, has long been a magnet for plein-air painters. This is the world Vincent van Gogh described as his “high yellow note.” Art historian Bonita Billman investigates the inspiration that places like Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, St. Remy, St. Tropez, and Nice provided for the brilliantly colored works produced by 19th- and early 20th-century painters.

She provides an overview of the artistic history of the South of France and examines Van Gogh’s time in Arles and St. Remy; Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence; and the work of Post-Impressionists Signac and Matisse in the seaside towns of the Mediterranean.

Sat., April 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-384; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

The Madonna and Child between Saints Catherine and Mary Magdalene by Giovanni Bellini, ca. 1490

The Calling of Saint Matthew The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Roofs of Collioure by Henri Matisse, 1905

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Eve as Artist, Part II

Women

Artists From 1950 to Today

In 2025 it’s no longer surprising to see exhibitions of art made by women or books that focus on their lives and work. During the last few decades there has been a veritable explosion of interest in female painters, sculptors, architects, textile artists, and performance artists. This richly illustrated course examines the progress made by women artists in Europe and the U.S. since the end of the Second World War.

Nancy G. Heller, a professor emerita of art history at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, discusses the relationship of art made by late 20th- and 21st-century women to the work of their male counterparts, placing it within a broader socioeconomic, political, and aesthetic context. She also considers the obstacles that remain for women artists. Initial sessions emphasize significant artistic developments from the 1950s and 1960s in which women figured prominently. Subsequent programs examine major themes and issues tackled by pioneering women artists from the 1970s to the present.

5-session series: Thurs., April 17–May 15, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-382; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

LIFELONG LEARNING

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Changing Perspective on the Portrait

From

the Renaissance

to the Modern Era

As one of the most significant categories of painting in Western art, portraiture offers a window into both individual identities and broader social and cultural values. Whether formalized depictions of elites or more personal, introspective works, portraits communicate salient qualities of a particular era, as well as human psychology and character. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine looks closely at a variety of aspects of portraiture in historical contexts, providing a deeper understanding of the significance of this pictorial genre. She offers an overview of the history of portraiture; contrasts portraiture created for public and private purposes; examines the enduring role of women as muses and objects of desire; and explores how artists have reflected themselves in self-portraiture.

4-session series: Wed., April 23–May 14, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-571; Members $120; Nonmembers $140

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Lavinia Fontana, Artemisia Gentileschi, and the Dawn of Professional Female Artists

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, two women with very different histories broke the barriers of painting. Within decades of each other, Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi achieved the status of painters of international renown, moving well beyond the more acceptable portrait and still-life genres to tackle Biblical and mythological themes, formerly the province of men. They received honors, maintained their families, and were welcomed by the highest authorities of their day.

Art historian Elizabeth Lev surveys the remarkable careers of Fontana and Gentileschi, the world in which they flourished, the obstacles they shattered, and the magnificent art they produced. These painters offered a new, feminine, if not feminist, view of some of the most captivating heroines of Western art, from Mary Magdalene to Judith.

Mon., May 12, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-862; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Artemisia Gentileschi, SelfPortrait as the Allegory of Painting, 1638–39

Lucia Bonasoni Garzoni by Lavinia Fontana, ca. 1590

The Dinner Party, art installation by Judy Chicago, 1974–1979

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Last Suppers of Florence

Long before Leonardo da Vinci created his iconic Last Supper in Milan, artists in his native Florence were already experimenting with different ways of painting the final meal of Christ with his disciples. Today, these remarkable depictions of the Last Supper are scattered in quiet locations across the city, offering a rare opportunity to experience Renaissance masterpieces away from the bustling crowds.

Art historian Laura Morelli leads an exploration of the Florentine versions of the Last Supper, from the harmonious compositions of Ghirlandaio and Perugino to the emotional depth of Andrea del Sarto. She also highlights the pioneering contribution of Plautilla Nelli, the only woman artist of the Florentine Renaissance known to have taken on this subject.

Fri., May 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-860; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Andy Warhol and Pop Art

During the heyday of Pop Art, Andy Warhol was its king. His talent as an artist, filmmaker, photographer, and publisher made him a household name for far more than the “15 minutes of fame” he quipped that everyone would experience. But it was his public persona—shaped by the controversy surrounding his art, his activities, and his appearance—that cemented his place in history. His private life, however, stood in stark contrast to the wild, drug-fueled existence he led at his New York studio, The Factory. His mother, a constant presence in his life, both lived with him and collaborated on some of his projects.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton traces Warhol’s profound impact on modern art and culture, delving into how his revolutionary approach broke with all previous art movements and expanded the definition of art itself.

Mon., May 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1D0-094; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Adventures in the Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the “Venus de Milo,” and other magnificent works. The museum—once a forbidding fortress built to house and protect French kings—has many tales to tell.

Elaine Sciolino, author of Adventures in the Louvre, reveals many of its secrets as she guides a virtual visit to this magical space, sharing how anyone can forge an intimate connection with the museum. She demystifies the Louvre, introducing her favorite artworks and the people who are the museum’s lifeblood: its curators, artisans, and builders and the firefighters protecting the aging structure. Sciolino goes beyond the building’s imposing walls and behind the scenes to reveal a Louvre filled with unexpected mysteries, untold stories, and myriad delights.

Copies of Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum (W. W. Norton) are available for purchase.

Tues., May 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-635; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1480

Marilyn by Andy Warhol, 1967

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

History of Western Architecture

Tracing the history of Western architecture is like looking back at a long trail of footprints in the sand. Each step marks a particular moment of the journey, just as architectural movements and styles mark distinct moments in Western history. By examining four historical periods in Western architecture, Rocky Ruggiero, an architectural historian, traces the development of architectural styles, traditions, trends, and forms beginning in the ancient world and continuing through to the present day.

2-session series: Thurs., May 15 and Fri., May 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; detailed information on website; CODE 1J0-457; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

African

American

Artists and the Federal Art Project

The New Deal art projects were created to provide financial relief to artists in the form of employment during the Depression. By design, the Federal Art Project (FAP) was intended to be race-blind, so many Black artists hoped its programs would redress their chronic disadvantages. However, the structure of the FAP often limited choices open to them. Many were assigned to educational projects and community art centers that served racially segregated populations.

Art historian Mary Ann Calo argues that although FAP administrators sought to address the needs of the Black artistic community, the impact was undermined by their unwillingness to address the consequences of institutional discrimination and systemic racism.

Tues., May 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-459; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Students in a free art class at the Harlem Art Center provided by the Federal Art Project, 1938

The Fragmented Image

Pointillism from Georges Seurat to Chuck Close

The term Pointillism was first used by art critics in 1886 to ridicule works of art by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, but today it is an accepted definition of the form that these artists developed as they branched off from Impressionism. The technique relies on the ability of the eye and mind of the viewer to blend spots of color into a range of tones that bring out the totality of a painting. This artistic development did not have many followers because of its slow and fastidious method of precision work with small, exacting brush marks. It was, however, embraced at times by artists including the Cubists, Matisse, and contemporary artists such as Chuck Close. Art historian Joseph P. Cassar surveys the development of Pointillism as a technique and artistic movement.

Wed., May 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-575; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Athenian Treasury at ancient Delphi

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, 1884

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Fantastic Imagination of Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) is one of the most creative print designers of the Edo period in Japan. He is known for his imaginative responses to censorship restrictions imposed by the military government, which prohibited artists from depicting certain popular subjects in commercial works. Developing new genres and drawing on a wide variety of sources from folk painting to imported Dutch medical texts, Kuniyoshi created bizarre monstrous figures that led to his being investigated by the authorities as a potentially subversive agent. Kit Brooks, curator of Asian art at the Princeton University Art Museum, explores Kuniyoshi’s works and why they are so striking.

Wed., May 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-462; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Central panel of The Witch and the Skeleton Spectre triptych by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1845–1846

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Complete(ish) History of Sculpture in One Lecture

Can art history be an adrenaline sport? The answer is yes when art historian Noah Charney guides a rapid-fire survey of sculpture. He focuses on key technical and aesthetic developments and new ways of thinking about what three-dimensional art can be. He highlights pieces from prehistoric sculpture through the Egyptian and Greek period; explores four distinctly different statues of David; surveys Mannerist sculpture; and heads for the finish line with modern and contemporary works, including digital sculpture.

Thurs., May 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-861; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

From Holbein to Hockney

A Survey of British Painting

Painters in Britain have delved into all major genres, including historical subjects, landscapes, still life, and portraiture. Art historian Bonita Billman introduces major artists and movements in British painting and the pivotal roles these creators have played from the Tudor period to the present. She examines how British painting has evolved over the last five centuries; the social and cultural context in which paintings that influenced various genres were created; and how the country’s artists have shown a strong predilection for subjects from the real world and a resistance to abstraction and non-representational painting. She also looks at the major role played by foreign-born painters.

5-session series: Mon., June 2–30, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-393; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

The Fighting Temeraire by J.M.W. Turner, 1839

Winter Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

Studio Art classes are taught by professional artists and teachers | Read more about these classes at SmithsonianAssociates.org

FIBER ARTS

NEW | Embroidered Quilts: From 1865 Crazy to 2025 Modern

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Wed., March 5 and 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0RM; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

MEMBERS ONLY

LIFELONG LEARNING

Coffee and Critiques are part of Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary offerings

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

IN PERSON: Sun., March 23, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TD; Members $45

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Oil Paint

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., March 23, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TE; Members $45

PHOTOGRAPHY

Reflections and Refraction

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., March 6 and 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0SA; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in 2-D Media

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sun., March 9, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0TC; Members $45

Unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and essential membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenue. If the joy of learning enriches your life, please consider a charitable gift in support of the vibrant educational experiences that open the Smithsonian's world of knowledge to audiences across the country.

By Lauren Kingsland

By Joe Yablonsky

SPRING

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Art Journaling for Self-Expression

INSTRUCTOR: Carter Umhau

IN PERSON: Tues., April 15–May 6, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YX; Members $145; Nonmembers $160

Seeing

More: Visual Fitness Workouts

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 3:30 p.m., no class April 16 and May 14; CODE 1E0-0VM; Members $235; Nonmembers $270

The Art of Journaling

Whether you are traveling, exploring, or just adventuring through your daily life, draw the things that are important to you and start noticing the wonderful small details around you.

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UV; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind

INSTRUCTOR: Sushmita Mazumdar ONLINE: Mon., April 7–May 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WE; Members $105; Nonmembers $140

Color Theory and Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Thurs., April 10–May 1, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WL; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TV; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TW; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

IN PERSON Student work

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Composition Studies

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $150

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 21, 1:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VE; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

60 Ways to Look at Color Dissecting

the Impressionists

Students find out why we see and communicate color differently, how light affects color perception, what the Impressionist color palette was, and how the artists painted. Learn how color schemes add interest to your work.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., April 10 and 17, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UR; Members $110; Nonmembers $125

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., April 5–May 17, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VR; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Museum Discoveries

Drawing Sculptures at the Hirshhorn

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

IN PERSON: Sat., April 12, 10 a.m.; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; CODE 1E0-0VN; Members $110; Nonmembers $125

NEW CLASS

Figure Drawing

In this intermediate-level class, students revisit fundamentals of human anatomy and experiment with techniques and approaches.

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., April. 27–May 18, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00VT; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

LIFELONG LEARNING

By Lubna Zahid

By Lori VanKirk Schue

SPRING

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Wed., April 2 (CODE 1E0-0VB); Wed., May 7 (CODE 1E0-0VC); 6:15 p.m.; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Thurs., April 3–May 22, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UF; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

NEW CLASSES

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Sun., April 6–May 18, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UG; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

The Mark of van Gogh

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 24–May 22, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VF; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Drawing Birds from Around the World

Draw birds from around the world in creative ways using a variety of mediums, including ink, watercolor, and charcoal.

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–23, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Shadows First

An Alternative Approach to Drawing Portraits

Explore a fresh approach to drawing portraits by prioritizing the shadows of the face instead of fussing over details right from the start.

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sun., April 27–May 18, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VJ; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

PAINTING

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., April 5–May 17, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VS; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 24–May 22, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VG; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Make Your Mark

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

ONLINE: Tues., May 5–19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

A Journey in Artistic Practice

Explore your world and record what interests you by discovering many ways to communicate through art. Then create 60 sketches in your sketchbook, choosing just the right medium for each.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., May 15 and 22, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0US; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

An Introduction to Watercolor Loose and Beautiful

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

IN PERSON: Sat., April 26 and Sun., April 27, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UW; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

CLASS

LIFELONG LEARNING

Intermediate Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., April 27–May 18, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VU; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Springtime Sketching in the Smithsonian Gardens April and May are magical in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Sketch there using watercolors to capture the changing light of the season.

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston IN PERSON: Sat., April 19 and May 17, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WB; Members $130; Nonmembers $155

By Sue Fierston

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE

Introduction to Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Mon., March 31–May 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UH; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

Botanicals in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UT; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

Painting Flowers in Watercolor

Paint for enjoyment and appreciate nature’s beauty as you study depicting flowers with watercolor.

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 5 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UU; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

Gargoyles, Grotesques, and Caryatids

Portrait Painting without Angst

Take the angst out of learning how to paint a portrait by creating monochromatic images of gargoyles, grotesques, and caryatids.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–29, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VW; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00TU; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Thurs., May 1–22, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Watercolor: A Ticket for Time Travel

After looking through objects in the collection of the National Museum of American History, design a still-life composition and paint your own arrangement of historic artifacts.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–30, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VV; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Beginning Oil Painting

Studio Art classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio

In this four-week class, students are introduced to materials and techniques for oil painting while laying a strong foundation for further artistic growth.

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Mon., April 7–28, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00WJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Essence Over Detail

Expression and Sketching Watercolor

Discover how to capture your subject with expressive, sketch-like painting that emphasizes the most essential elements over excessive detail.

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Tues., April 29–May 20, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VD; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Lubna Zahid

By Eric Westbrook By Lubna Zahid

By Josh Highter

SPRING

NEW CLASSES

Depicting the Jefferson Memorial and Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor

With brushwork of soft pinks and gentle lavender, explore techniques to portray the cherry blossoms’ ethereal quality, while adding colorful dimension to the Jefferson Memorial’s stately architecture.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Tues., April 29 and Wed., April 30, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TR; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

MIXED MEDIA

Exploring Artist Icons

Study the styles and methods of collage art favorites including Henri Matisse and Hannah Hőch and then interpret them in your own work.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–22, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VY; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gel Print Journal and More

Revamp your gel plate prints into new art projects. Make simple books, journals, print organizers, or boxes using bookmaking and other construction techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Sat., April 12–May 3, 1 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Playing with Pulp

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

Quick-Sketch for a Day Celebrating America

Discover how to draw with fluid lines and paint with flowing watercolors as you capture scenes from coast to coast.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0TS; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

ONLINE

Collage and Mixed Media

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UZ; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

Birds and Nature in Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 30–May 21, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UY; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

NEW CLASS

Crepe Paper Flower Posy

Learn to fashion a hypericum (St. John’s wort) and roses in several stages of bloom, constructing petals and leaves with and without wire, using spun cotton and foam balls to turn paper into a beautiful posy.

INSTRUCTOR: Karen Cadogan

ONLINE: Sat., May 3–17, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E00UJ; Members $210; Nonmembers $235

IN PERSON: Tues., April 29–May 20, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Wool Embroidery from the Andes

INSTRUCTOR: Susana Romero

IN PERSON: Sat., April 26–May 17, 1:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WD; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Beginning Tapestry Weaving

INSTRUCTOR: Tea Okropiridze

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WH; Members $195; Nonmembers $230

Color Theory for Embroidery Artists

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–23, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TY; Members $120; Nonmembers $145

Botanical Illustration in Redwork

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Wed., April 30–May 14, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TZ; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Painted Embroidery Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Sat., May 17, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UB; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

By Sharon Robinson

By Karen Cadogan

By Sharon Robinson

By Cindy Briggs

By Cindy Briggs

NEW CLASSES

Hand and Machine Manipulated

Explore classic textile manipulation techniques including smocking, pleating, and origami. Apply your newfound skills to projects from quilting and garment construction to interior and home decor.

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

Textiles

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–15, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UL; Members $185; Nonmembers $205

Making Quilts with Your Sewing Machine

Learn to make a pieced quilt in days by using a rotary cutter and sewing machine.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., April 5–May 3, 11 a.m., no class April 19; CODE 1E0-0UN; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

Meet our Instructors

View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors

In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers.

OTHER MEDIA

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 7, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TP; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

White-Line Woodblock Printing II

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., April 26, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0WC; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Studio Art classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio

SPRING

Embroidery on Paper and Photographs

Learn how to add distinctive patterns, color, and texture to photographs using embroidery.

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., April 12, 11:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VK; Members $65; Nonmembers $80

Color and Illusion in Modern Quilts

Learn how to use color and design to create the illusion of depth and take your quilting to the next level.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Mon., May 5–19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E00UM; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Handwork and Mindfulness

Explore handwork as a tool for mindful living. Find out how and why it is that making something with your hands can bring about a sense of peace, connection, satisfaction, wellness, and joy.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., May 10, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UP; Members $35; Nonmembers $50

NEW CLASS

The Lure of Orchids

Orchids have been a focus of human attention since 500 B.C.E. Learn about their evolution plus trivia, fun facts, uses, and basic orchid care.

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt

ONLINE: Tues., April 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TQ; Members $40; Nonmembers $55

Contemporary Mosaics: Ancient Motifs, Modern Materials

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

ONLINE: Tues., April 29–May 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WM; Members $165; Nonmembers $200

By Lauren Kingsland

By Lauren Kingsland

By Lauren Kingsland

By Barbara Schmidt

By Patricia Howard

By Sue Fierston

By Arrin Sutliff

By Kate Lewis

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

SPRING

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Sun., April 27–May 18, 1:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UE; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Introduction to Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., April 1–May 20, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E00TM); Tues., April 1–May 20, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0TN); Ripley Center; Members $245; Nonmembers $280

SCULPTURE n n n n

Figure Sculpture

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TX; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

On-Location Photography with Neutral Density Filters

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Tues., May 6–20, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UC; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

The Joy of Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Marty Kaplan

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VA; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Photographing People

Fundamentals of Digital Printing

INSTRUCTOR: Lewis Katz

ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 14, 7:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Photography 101

Take command of your photographic vision as you learn the basics of your camera’s functions.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., April 3–May 8, 6:30 p.m., no class May 1; CODE 1E0-0UD; Members $170; Nonmembers $205

Explore the possibilities of portraiture in photography by creating self-portraits, then moving on to photograph friends or acquaintances and finally people on the street or just those you don’t know.

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., April 19–May 10, 11:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VL; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Smithsonian Associates’ Digital Digest is a lively monthly e-newsletter filled with information about programs and experiences that are entertaining, informative, eclectic, and insightful. Be sure to see the current issue at: smithsonianassociates.org/digital-digest

Read more about programs in this guide on the website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

By Patricia Howard

By Joe Yablonsky

By George Tkabladze

By Andargé Asfaw

Smithsonian Associates expert-led Study Tours offer one-of-a-kind in-person experiences. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the places and topics that fascinate you, and you’re sure to discover plenty of new favorites along the way.

2-Day Tour

The Philadelphia Flower Show Gardens of Tomorrow

There’s no better way to sweep away winter than with an overnight escape to the horticultural paradise that’s the Philadelphia Flower Show. With a theme of “Gardens of Tomorrow,” the 2025 edition is sure to provide a world of boundless inspiration. Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads the tour.

Start with a visit to nearby Winterthur, where a guided tram tour of the grounds and mansion give a taste of what used to be the du Pont family’s luxurious estate. After a boxed lunch, discover horticultural secrets on a docent-led garden walk. Dinner is at the festive Victor Café. You begin your Monday visit to the flower show 2 hours before it opens to the public, then enjoy a full day to explore the world’s largest annual floral exhibition. Experience the beautiful creatures in the Butterflies Live! immersive habitat while learning how to attract them to your garden, plus lectures by Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) educators.

SOLD OUT

Step into the Designer’s Studio and Gardener’s Studio, which feature top flower designers in competitions and lively gardening demos; explore the plants, flowers, and gifts at the Marketplace; and celebrate the beauty of container-grown plants in the PHS Horticourt.

Grab lunch at the show or across the street at Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia staple since 1893.

Sun., March 2, 8 a.m–Mon., March 3, 6 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-PFS; Members $648; Nonmembers $864

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Diverse Threads

Quilting and Embroidery in Baltimore

Quilting and embroidery are deeply personal crafts that weave individual stories, emotions, and memories into every stitch. Often imbued with heartfelt intentions and symbolism, each work reflects the artist’s unique journey. Led by textile historian Alden O’Brien, visit two exhibitions in Baltimore that showcase the power of local artistry.

The intricate beauty of crazy quilts, contemporary works by the African American Quilters of Baltimore, and the antique collection are on display at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. A focal point of the visit, “Material & Memories: Elizabeth Talford Scott and the Crazy Quilt Tradition,” was crafted from scraps of family clothing and decorative fabric. These quilts serve as intimate “landscapes of memory,” with narratives embedded in each piece, the museum says. Curators discuss the exhibition and share other textile objects from the archives.

At the American Visionary Art Museum, the exhibition “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family” presents 36 embroideries by Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. These intricate needlework and fabric collages poignantly recount how 15-year-old Esther and her sister survived the Nazi invasion of Poland, posing as Polish Catholic farm girls after separating from their observant Jewish family on their harrowing journey. A guided tour offers insight into Krinitz’s story and the creation of her panels, which she began while working in Frederick, Maryland, as a designer and seamstress.

Explore Baltimore’s Lexington Market—one of the oldest public markets in the country—as you get lunch on your own.

Sat., March 8, 9 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-052; Members $145; Nonmembers $205

Bus Tour

Views of the “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family” exhibit

Overnight Tours 2025

More Great Destinations from Smithsonian Associates

Smithsonian Associates' Study Tours offer more than just a getaway: They combine one-of-a-kind experiences with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, theater, nature, or architecture—or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions will enrich your year with tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2025.

All tour dates, content, and on-sale dates are subject to change

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Thurs., Aug. 21–Sun., Aug. 24 (on sale April 1)

In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries turned Buffalo into a showcase for some of the most dazzling and innovative public and private architecture. A 4-day tour surveys this rich heritage.

Leader: Bill Keene

NEW

Explore Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Fall 2025 (on sale May 1)

Discover a rich tapestry of American history and culture on a 2-day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country. Explore the vibrant Amish community and gain insights into their unique way of life through guided tours and authentic culinary experiences.

The Hamptons for Art Lovers

Sat., Oct. 4–Wed., Oct. 8 (on sale May 1)

New York’s fabled Hamptons are more than an elite summer resort. The stark natural beauty of Long Island’s South Fork has long inspired painters. Traveling from Washington, D.C., spend time in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, New Haven, and the Long Island Sound area exploring art, artists, and the landscape that inspired them.

Leader: Richard Selden

Fri., Oct. 10–Tues., Oct. 14 (on sale April 1)

Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist.

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam

Sat., Oct. 18–Sun., Oct. 19 (on sale June 1)

The beauty and culture of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley unfold as you ride the Virginia Scenic Railway, enjoy a performance at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, and wander through historic Staunton.

Leader: Lynn O’Connell

Jewels of Queens

Sun., Nov. 9–Mon., Nov. 10 (on sale July 1)

Your visit to the largest of New York City’s outer boroughs includes the site of two World’s Fairs; the Museum of the Moving Image; the Noguchi Museum; the Louis Armstrong House Museum; a sampling of international cuisine; and a stay at the TWA Hotel, which celebrates the Jet Age glamour of the ’60s.

Leader: Richard Selden

NEW Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum

Sun., Nov. 16–Mon., Nov. 17 (on sale July 1)

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum, where you'll encounter a stunning array of artifacts, from mummies to monumental statues, that bring the mysteries of the pharaohs to life.

Leader: Gary Rendsburg

PHOTO: THE PARRISH ART MUSEUM, WATER MILL, NEW YORK, LITTLEJOHN COLLECTION | THE BIG BAYBERRY BUSH BY WILLIAM MERRITT CHASE

Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota

Bus Tour

Heritage and Innovation

Historic Homes from the 19th and 20th Centuries

Just south of Washington, D.C., two distinctive historic homes stand on the same property, showcasing contrasting architectural styles. One is a 19th-century Federal-style mansion, once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, while the other is a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Join Bill Keene, a lecturer in architecture and urban studies, for an exclusive tour of these architectural gems—the only public Wright house in the Washington, D.C., area and its elegant neighbor, Woodlawn.

Begin the day at the Pope-Leighey House. This modest 1,200-square-foot home turned historic site is one of the earliest Usonian homes designed by Wright. On the same property sits Woodlawn, a 126-acre estate and former plantation whose main house was designed by the architect who also designed the U.S. Capitol. Enjoy a private tour of the Pope-Leighey House and a self-guided look at Woodlawn—including the annual Needlework Show—before a boxed lunch onsite.

Continue the exploration of historic homes with a walking and bus tour of Hollin Hills led by a member of the Hollin Hills Civic Association who discusses the community’s history and architecture and the challenges faced by homeowners in historic areas. Known for its Modernist architecture, this community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The day concludes at the National Building Museum for a look at “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania.” This special exhibition features both realized and unrealized projects designed by Wright for the region in the 1930s to the 1950s, presented through 3D models, architectural models and drawings, and historical photographs that bring his visionary concepts to life.

Sun., March 9, 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-053; Members $186; Nonmembers $250

The Pope-Leighey House

Woodlawn

August Breakfast/Maine by Carolyn Brady (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $800*

Children with Flowers by Elizabeth Catlett (detail) Retail: $1300 Members: $1075*

Walking Tour

Blooms on the Tidal Basin

Take a spring walk among Washington, D.C.’s cherry trees and see three landmarks set among the trees, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, along with several lesser-known statues and monuments. Join your guide, Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The design is based on quotes from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered to a crowd of over 250,000 on the nearby Lincoln Memorial steps. Stroll along the basin, exploring the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the largest memorial in the city by land area, appropriately dedicated to the country’s longest-serving president. After passing over a short bridge with a bizarre story (and views of the Pentagon), conclude at the imposing Thomas Jefferson Memorial, based on the design of the ancient Roman Pantheon. Along the way, hear how the cherry trees came to be an essential part of the identity of the District of Columbia.

Sat., March 29, 8:30–10:30 a.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CWB03; Members $45; Nonmembers $55

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

A Day at SERC

The 2,650-acre campus of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, encompasses forests, farmland, wetlands, and shoreline and is home to some of the world’s most enduring environmental research projects. Spend the day with SERC’s expert staff as you explore this environmental research hub and learn about its cutting-edge ecological studies.

A morning hike on the Discovery Trail, a 1.3-mile path that winds through lush landscapes, offers the chance to explore the types of ecosystems that SERC works to protect. At the Woodlawn History Center, built in 1735, uncover stories of the area’s rich history— from Native American settlement to the present day—through artifacts found by volunteer scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Lab. Researchers explain the ways human activity has shaped the land and its ecosystems over time.

A tour of SERC’s core research center looks at research that tackles global environmental challenges, from climate change to habitat loss, while providing insight into how SERC’s work contributes to a more sustainable future. SERC’s physical campus is also a model of sustainability, including geothermal and solar renewable energy installations and a wastewater treatment center.

After lunch, visit the South Campus for a look at the BiodiversiTREE research project, where scientists are studying how tree diversity can shape the health of a forest and the life within it. Wrap up your day at the Global Change Research Wetland. Here, researchers run futuristic experiments to simulate how climate change could affect wetlands over the next century.

Fri., April 18, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-051; Members $110; Nonmembers $170

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Bus Tour

Experiments at the Global Change Research Wetland

Woodlawn History Center

Two of Virginia’s Historic Gardens

Oak Spring and Blandy Experimental Farm

Historic Garden Week in Virginia offers the opportunity to visit beautiful homes and gardens in the state. This year, Oak Spring, the former home of philanthropists Paul Mellon and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—usually closed to the public—opens its doors for this special event.

Although she had no formal training, Bunny Mellon designed landscapes for many of the Mellons’ properties and is known for her 1961 redesign of the White House Rose Garden and East Garden. Spend the morning discovering the nearly 700-acre Oak Spring estate. The visit includes the main Mellon residence and its extensive gardens, the formal greenhouse, Oak Spring Gallery, and the Broodmare Barn, where Paul Mellon raised his most successful thoroughbreds. Distinctive features of the walled garden, which Bunny Mellon created, include fruit trees trained to grow flat against walls, reflecting pools, and a bridge to a garden pavilion.

The afternoon takes you to the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm, which includes the State Arboretum of Virginia. Learn about Blandy’s history and visit its arboretum, native plant garden, and historic Quarters building. Since 1924, the University of Virginia has owned the 712 acres of former estate land, using it to train college students in farming methods and to perform scientific experiments. In the 1980s, it was opened to the public.

Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads this tour and lectures en route. Members of the Middleburg Garden Club offer interpretation throughout Oak Spring. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and tastings are available during the visit. A boxed lunch is included.

Fri., April 25, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-055; Members $221; Nonmembers $285 Bus

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Chincoteague and Assateague

Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are home to natural splendor, cultural treasures, and coastal charm. Spend two days with naturalist and educator Liana Vitali immersed in island life, exploring the natural wonders the barrier islands have to offer—and hear the lore of the Chincoteague ponies’ origin.

Upon arriving on Assateague, enjoy an orientation and talk at the visitors center with a park ranger, followed by a guided hike on one of the island’s many trails to explore the extraordinary seashore ecosystem. Don’t forget your binoculars: The barrier island is home to over 320 species of birds during the year and is a vital stopover for migratory shorebirds. At sunset, a pontoon boat ride takes you to see Assateague’s topography, herds of wild horses, and other wildlife—plus dolphins. After dinner, settle in for a lecture on historic shipwrecks near Assateague.

After your overnight stay at the Refuge Inn on Chincoteague, a day filled with exploration awaits. A visit to the Museum of Chincoteague Island includes a tour led by the museum’s assistant director, Cindy Faith. She discusses the history and culture of the island, including how pony penning came about. After lunch, take a leisurely guided hike on one of Chincoteague’s nature trails, watching for ponies, deer, and spring blossoms before returning to Washington.

Sun., April 27, 7 a.m.–Mon., April 28, 9:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-CAV; Members $573; Nonmembers $765

2-Day Tour

Wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Views of Oak Spring, the former estate of Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon

6-Day

Outdoor Arizona

Geology, Architecture, and Natural Beauty

Meet in Arizona and embark on a springtime exploration of some of the Grand Canyon State’s best-known sites (as well as hidden gems) that highlight its rich ecology, geology, stunning landscapes, and architectural masterworks. Wayne Ranney, a geologic educator, author, lecturer, and trail and river guide, leads the outdoor adventure.

SOLD OUT

DAY 1: Participants arrive in Phoenix. The tour opens with a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2: Start your explorations in Phoenix with a visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, set in a beautiful natural environment along Queen Creek Canyon in the Sonoran desert. Uncover the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West as a guided tour covers the innovative designs and philosophies that define this architectural masterpiece set against a desert backdrop.

DAY 3: Travel to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and set off on a 3-mile walk along the scenic Rim Trail with your study leader. Learn about the canyon’s formation and the unique ecosystems that thrive here and spend free time at the visitor’s center. Then, move on to Flagstaff, your home base for the next 3 nights.

DAY 4: Delve into geology and history in Sedona, where red-rock formations and vibrant landscapes inspire awe. Take a Jeep tour into the canyons; view a hilltop chapel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright; hike along canyon-walled Oak Creek; travel scenic Route 89A; and enjoy a meal in the culinary mecca of Sedona.

DAY 5: Visit iconic Antelope Canyon, known for its breathtaking light beams and swirling sandstone formations. Stop at Horseshoe Bend, formed over thousands of years through erosion by the Colorado River, highlighting both natural beauty and geological processes at work.

DAY 6: After a visit to Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, share your memorable tour experiences over a farewell meal at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the Phoenix airport for your flight home.

Sat., April 26, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 1, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-ARZ; Members $2,491; Nonmembers $3,200 Travel information: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Phoenix.

Southwest Washington

Washington, D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront is a study in contrasts: The neighborhood retains some of the most historic architecture in the federal capital and boasts one of the largest private development projects in the city, the District Wharf. Laid out by the Carroll family in the 1770s and originally known as Carrollsburg, by the 1830s the neighborhood teemed with commercial activity, followed by a massive military operation during the Civil War. However, the waterfront slipped into decline after the war.

In the mid-20th century, huge swaths of Southwest Washington were demolished in the name of urban renewal, with over 23,000 mostly Black and Jewish residents displaced. Today, a new wave of development is again changing the fabric of Southwest.

Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a tour of the historic neighborhood. Along the way, stop at the Municipal Fish Market—the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the country—plus the Thomas Law House, a “honeymoon house” built for Martha Washington’s granddaughter, and St. Dominic Church, established in 1854. Other stops include Arena Stage, Southwest Library, and The Wharf.

THREE OPTIONS: Fri., May 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-A04); Fri., May 3, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-B04); Fri., May 3, 1–3 p.m. (CODE 1CW-C04); detailed tour information on website; Members $45; Nonmembers $55

Tour

The Recreation Pier at The Wharf

Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend

Walking Tour

2-Day Tour

Spring Gardens of Norfolk

While Norfolk is known as a city on the water, gardens and greenery are the focus as horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads a tour to a botanical oasis and a historic estate.

On Friday, begin your visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden with a private garden walk and talk with conservatory curators. With over 60 themed gardens to explore on 175 acres, each corner offers a distinctive sensory experience, from the Japanese Garden to the Margaret Moore Hall Bicentennial Rose Garden bursting with the fragrance and color of more than 300 rose varieties.

After a boxed lunch on-site, a guided tram tour provides an overview of the property before free time to stroll along the winding paths. Seasonal blooms include the bonsai collection, mountain laurel, star jasmine, and rhododendron. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the Bristow Butterfly Garden’s 2 acres of butterfly habitat.

On Saturday morning, visit nearby Hermitage Museum & Gardens, a historic estate nestled along the picturesque Lafayette River. Lush gardens are landscaped in the tradition of an early 20th-century country estate, featuring footpaths, tranquil waterways, and gazebos. A guided walking tour of the grounds introduces the history of the gardens and touches on the many varieties of plants and the Hermitage’s conservation efforts. Highlights include the Sunken Garden and the Hermitage Wetlands, a safe habitat for many species of fish and wildlife.

A docent-led tour of the museum takes you inside the former home of the Sloane family, a 42-room Arts and Crafts mansion featuring an art collection spanning 5,000 years.

Fri., May 9, 7 a.m.–Sat., May 10, 7:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-NGO; Members $535; Nonmembers $715

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

2-Day Tour

Delaware Bay: Shorebirds and Horseshoe Crabs

A beach full of horseshoe crabs illuminated by the light of the full moon is a sight to behold. A spring visit to the Delaware Bay is perfectly timed to view the amazing spectacle of these crustaceans arriving ashore in large numbers to breed. Naturalist Matt Felperin leads an adventure for nature lovers that explores the Delaware Bay and its environs, where the diverse life of a tidal marsh and the expanse of the bay come together.

Visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, where tidal impoundments host a myriad of migratory shorebirds including Red Knots and a variety of terns, raptors, and songbirds. At the Dupont Nature Center, learn the connection between horseshoe crab breeding and shorebird migration. Stops at the shore communities of Broadkill Beach and Slaughter Beach offer excellent opportunities for viewing both crabs and birds, and an optional sunrise excursion to Bennett’s Pier Beach Road provides a chance to spy the near-endangered Saltmarsh Sparrow, a species in decline due to habitat loss and sea-level rise.

Mon., May 12, 7 a.m.–Tues., May 13, 7:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-DEL; Members $476; Nonmembers $630

Gazebo and sundial at the Colonial Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

Horseshoe crabs, Delaware Bay

Marshlands at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Spring at Longwood Gardens

Spring—when azaleas, poppies, and a host of flowering shrubs greet the season— is the perfect time to experience the outdoor beauty of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Follow Karl Gercens, Longwood’s conservatory manager, down a 600-foot flower garden walk into a promenade of trees planted in the 1700s and farther into gardens where vegetables and perennials grow. This specially arranged curator’s tour also offers a chance to gain behind-the-scenes insights into current horticultural trends as well as find inspiration for your own home garden.

After lunch at Longwood’s café, join Gercens for an optional tour of the vast conservatory complex filled with hanging baskets, colorful exotic plants, and collections of orchids, bonsai, and waterlilies or take time to relax and explore the grounds of this historic du Pont property on your own.

Thurs., May 15, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1ND-015; Members $219; Nonmembers $270

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The National Zoo’s Bird House

Close-up on Avian Conservation

60

Soar into the fascinating world of North American shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds at the Bird House in the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Reopened in 2023 after a six-year renovation, the Bird House reflects a new era in which zoos function as key players in wildlife conservation.

In three indoor walk-through aviaries, visitors are surrounded by migratory birds as they explore realistic re-creations of key habitats that support them during their annual cycle. Also on-site is the Bird Observatory, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s regional hub for ornithology, community science, and outreach.

Brian Evans, an ornithologist at the center, and members of the Bird House’s animal-care team lead an exploration of the exhibitions and discuss the science that informs bird conservation. Take off with a wild-bird banding demonstration at the Bird Observatory and gain insights into how ornithologists study the survival of birds in different environments. Learn how to use binoculars like a pro, then put your new skill into practice by observing the residents of the aviaries that represent the Delaware Bay, the Prairie Pothole region, and a rustic bird-friendly coffee farm.

Wind down in the Bird House gardens, where you can find out how decisions made in your own backyard can help support birds, and conclude the tour with a tasting of Smithsonian-certified Bird Friendly coffee and a conversation with Evans and the staff members.

THREE OPTIONS: Fri., May 16 (CODE 1CS-A02); Fri., May 23 (CODE 1CS-B02); Fri., May 30 (CODE 1CSC02); 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

In the first of three walk-through aviaries, visitors learn about shorebird migration in the Delaware Bay

Walking Tour Bus Tour

Ornamental kitchen garden

LIFELONG LEARNING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Frank Lloyd Wright Masterworks in the Midwest

Frank Lloyd Wright left an indelible signature on the American Midwest: a legacy of buildings that trace the arc of his career as one of world’s most significant and innovative architects. This 5-day tour led by Bill Keene, a lecturer in urban studies and architecture, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a close-up look at a wide range of Wright’s designs in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as visits to seminal works by other architects of the early and mid-20th century.

Highlights of the tour are visits to four of the eight Wright masterworks on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Unity Temple, his first religious structure; the Frederick C. Robie House, a gem in Wright’s signature Prairie style; Taliesin, Wright’s home, studio, school, and estate in Wisconsin; and the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House, his first work of Usonian domestic architecture.

In addition to site visits, an architectural boat tour of Chicago places Wright’s designs in the context of the history-making works by the myriad architects who defined its urban identity. And even the tour’s hotel in Wisconsin has a Wright connection—literally. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is linked by skywalk to the waterfront civic center designed by Wright in 1938, a project that took 59 years to become a reality.

Travel information: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Chicago. Sun., May 18, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 22, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-MID; Members $2,310; Nonmembers $2,710

5-Day Tour

Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois

Taliesin and Hillside School, Spring Green, Wisconsin

2-Day Tour

The Bronx in Bloom

Gardens, Art, and Local Culture

The series of visits to New York City’s outer boroughs led by arts journalist Richard Selden continues with a two-day tour to the northernmost one, the Bronx—the perfect destination for a late spring getaway.

The fragrance of spring flowers greets you as you step into the urban oasis of Wave Hill in the borough’s Riverdale section, featuring 28 acres of gardens overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. A guided visit focuses on seasonal highlights and the extensive collection of rare and unusual plants, plus a history of the picturesque property. At the New York Botanical Garden, revel in the beauty of the flowers that inspired a Dutch master’s iconic paintings with a guided tour of the “Van Gogh: Painting with Flowers” exhibition to see van Gogh masterpieces bloom in re-creations made of living flowers.

A Sunday morning walking tour with your study leader explores the 84-year-old Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Belmont neighborhood, the center of the Bronx’s Little Italy. See the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the early 19th-century farmhouse where the writer spent the last years of his life.

A visit to any of New York’s boroughs calls for eating at favorite local spots: Savor Albanian and Kosovan cuisine at a dinner at Cka Ka Qellu (a New York Times Critic’s Pick) and dig into lunch at the venerable City Island seafood eatery Sammy’s Fish Box.

Sun., June 1, 7:30 a.m.–Mon., June 2, 11 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-BRX; Members $630; Nonmembers $840

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Presidential Virginia

Virginia holds a unique place in American history as the birthplace of eight presidents, the site of several of their residences, and home to a host of family links to the White House.

Historian Gregg Clemmer leads a two-day tour of Virginia’s presidential past, exploring both well-known and privately owned sites that reveal the deep connections between the state and the nation’s leaders. This guided journey takes you to iconic landmarks like James Madison’s Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and James Monroe’s Highland, each offering insights into the lives and legacies of these founding fathers.

The tour also includes visits to Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace in Staunton and the privately owned estates of Montebello, the birthplace of President Zachary Taylor, and Pine Knot, the secluded retreat once enjoyed by Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. A stop at the homestead and cemetery of Abraham Lincoln’s greatgrandparents in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, as well as the birthplace of Ida Stover, the mother of Dwight D. Eisenhower, round out the tour.

Sun., June 22, 7:30 a.m.–Mon., June 23, 9 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-PVA; Members $565; Nonmembers $755

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the Bronx

The New York Botanical Garden

2-Day Tour

Monticello

Highland

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Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•)

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Wed., March 5–26

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Part II) 33 Mon., March 10–31

Great Composer-Pianists 17

Thurs., March 13–June 5

Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song 18 Sun., March 16, Sat., March 29, and Sun., March 30

Masterworks of Five Centuries •...............................................................21

Sat., March 22 and 29

Why, Oh Why, Do We Love Paris? 36

Tues., March 25–April 15

Art of Colonial India.......................................................................................36

Sat., April 6 and Sat., June 14

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra • 20

Tues., April 8–22

Turning Points of the American Civil War ...............................................10

Wed., April 9 and 16

Elements of Fiction Writing 23

Wed., April 9–30

The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe................................................11

The Genius of Pablo Picasso 39

Lectures and Seminars—Single Session

April 17–May 15

Mon., April 28–May 19

England’s Historic Royal Palaces: A Step Inside 13 Sat., May 3

Axelrod String Quartet • ..............................................................................21

Tues., May 6–June 3

From Bach and Beethoven to Balanchine and Baryshnikov 26

Tues., May 13 and 20

The Films of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis 3

Thurs., May 15 and Fri., May 16

History of Western Architecture ................................................................43

Mon., June 2–23

Portugal: The Nation on the Edge 16 Mon., June 2–30

From Holbein to Hockney: A Survey of British Painting 44

Wed., June 4–25

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Part III) 33

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