Shop from Catalog
Calendar
Browse
What's New?
Members Only
Lectures & Seminars
Performances & Films
Film Screenings
Performance (Single)
Performances (Series)
Discovery Theater
Courses
Studio Arts
Digital Media
Drawing
Fiber Arts
Painting
Photography
Other Media
Study Tours
Children & Family
Discovery Theater
Summer Camp
Kite Festival
Performances Personal Development Literature
Study Tours Programs

Sign-up for eAlerts on Study Tours and other topics on your My Account page.



Month

Select a Study Tour from the list below.



Chinese Treasures in Washington

Friday, March 19, 2010 at 9 a.m.

New session just added! This all-day tour includes visits to the permanent collection of Chinese art at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and to the ancient terra-cotta warriors of China exhibit at the National Geographic museum.

A Day at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.


Take a guided tour of the exhibition Cezanne and American Modernism at the Baltimore Museum of Art as well as BMA’s extraordinary Cone Collection, which features masterpieces by Matisse, Cezanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.

Spectacular Temples of Freemasonry

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 9 a.m.


Freemasonry, the world’s oldest fraternal organization, is also one of the oldest organizations in the city of Washington, where Masons participated in the laying of cornerstones of the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Gary Scott, Past Master and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, leads this tour that includes some of the most significant architectural treasures of Washington.

A Preamble to the 2010 Smithsonian Craft Show

Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 9 a.m.


Resident Members Only: Refine your knowledge of craft as art by visiting three award-winning artists from previous Smithsonian Craft Shows: Machiko Shishido (porcelain), Nebiur Arellano (silk painting), and Namu Cho (jewelry).

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11:15 a.m.


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 8 a.m.


Join Civil War historian Ed Bearss as he explores the historic events following the Battle of the Wilderness. The tour includes the Bloody Angle and Harris Farm.

The Museum Support Center

Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 9 a.m.


The Smithsonian has one of the largest collections in the world, from giant whale skulls to tiny insects. See first-hand where these research and exhibition specimens are kept, at the Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the vast number of artifacts with staff who work at the facility.

Arts of the Indian Subcontinent

Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 10 a.m.


A docent-led tour provides history and commentary on treasures at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art. Join collections staff behind the scenes to see pieces of art that are currently not on view.

Booth’s Escape Route

Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 8 a.m.


Fleeing Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. During this day-long bus tour, Civil War authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth's escape route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the assassination. Special Itinerary!

Arts of the Indian Subcontinent

Friday, April 9, 2010 at 10 a.m.

A docent-led tour provides history and commentary on treasures at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art. Join collections staff behind the scenes to see pieces of art that are currently not on view.

Walking the Great Falls Canals of Virginia and Maryland

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.


Get out and stretch your legs on this spectacular tour that looks at more than 200 years of canal history on both sides of the Potomac River at the Great Falls. Canal historian Karen Gray leads this tour.

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Historic Treasury Building

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:15 a.m.


Members Only: Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972, this magnificent granite structure in the Greek Revival Style was constructed over a period of 33 years between 1836 and 1869. It houses one of the oldest and most intact collections of fine and decorative arts in the Executive Branch. Highlights include the restored Salmon P. Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the Cash room, and the restored gilded West Dome and Lobby.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 8 a.m.


Join Civil War historian Ed Bearss as he explores the historic events following the Battle of the Wilderness. The tour includes the Bloody Angle and Harris Farm.

WheatonArts: More than 200 Years of Glassmaking in America

Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 7 a.m.

Led by museum education consultant Sheila Pinsker, this trip includes a guided tour of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and its behind-the-scenes area, glassmaking demonstrations, and ample free time to explore.

Caverns of the Shenandoah

Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.


In this in-depth tour of three renowned Virginia caves in the Shenandoah Valley, veteran caver and speleologist Greg Clemmer highlights insights into the discovery of each cave, outstanding historic and geological features, and plenty of anecdotes about today’s caves and cavers.

Arts of the Indian Subcontinent

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 10 a.m.


A docent-led tour provides history and commentary on treasures at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art. Join collections staff behind the scenes to see pieces of art that are currently not on view.

Spring at the National Arboretum

Friday, April 23, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

Tour the extensive 450-acre grounds of the National Arboretum during the peak blooming season for azaleas, dogwood and spring wildflowers. Biologist Marion Lobstein leads this exploration that includes a picnic lunch among the blossoms.

Newport on the Brandywine: Nemours Mansion

Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7 a.m.


Enjoy a day at one of the noblest estates in the DC area, Nemours Mansion and Gardens. With more than 60 acres of formal gardens along the Brandywine River and 47,000 square feet of beautifully restored rooms, this estate is a relaxing retreat. Horticulturist Cindy Brown speaks about the gardens, while Grace Gary, director of Nemours, speaks about its history and $38.6 million restoration.

Spring Bird Watching on the Delmarva Peninsula

Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 7 a.m.


Spend a spring weekend visiting some of the best birding hotspots in D.C, Virginia and Maryland. Join study leaders Andy Sprenger and Brent Steury on this species-rich tour that will include birding at Chincoteague Island, E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area, Pocomoke State Forest, and D.C.'s Rock Creek Park.

Spring in the Smithsonian Garden

Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 10 a.m.

Stroll with Smithsonian horticulturalist Janet Draper through the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and learn some of her tricks for creating a garden with substance and longevity throughout the year. 

Creating Unique Images: A Photo Trek for the Right Side of Your Brain

Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.

Come join us in the colorful Adams Morgan entertainment neighborhood for a walking tour that will sharpen your eyes for pictures you never knew were there. This trek is taught by E. David Luria, a Paris-trained architectural photographer and director of Washington Photo Safari.

Spring in the Smithsonian Garden

Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 5 p.m.

Stroll with Smithsonian horticulturalist Janet Draper through the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and learn some of her tricks for creating a garden with substance and longevity throughout the year. 

Excursion on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 8:15 a.m.

Ride the rails with historian Joe Nevin and the steam engine Mountain Thunder on a round-trip excursion on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. After the breath-taking trip between Frostburg and Cumberland, tour the Western Maryland Station, C&O Canal terminus, and historic Cumberland area transportation facilities.

Indian Markets

Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10 a.m.


Learn about the different types of rice available, how to buy cumin, and how to tell if okra is fresh. Indian-born food writer, cookbook author, and Washington Post columnist Monica Bhide takes us to explore the aisles of an Indian grocery store.

Indian Markets

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 10 a.m.


Learn about the different types of rice available, how to buy cumin, and how to tell if okra is fresh. Indian-born food writer, cookbook author, and Washington Post columnist Monica Bhide takes us to explore the aisles of an Indian grocery store.

The Best of Baltimore: Mansions and History

Friday, May 14, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Two of Baltimore’s magnificent mansions, the collection of decorative arts and historical artifacts at the Maryland Historical Society Museum, and the splendid Mount Vernon Square neighborhood are the focus of this tour, led by decorative arts and architecture expert Gary Scott.

Booth’s Escape Route

Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 8 a.m.


Fleeing Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth traveled through Maryland into Virginia, where, a few days later, he was found, shot, and died of his wounds. During this day-long bus tour, Civil War authority Ed Bearss retraces Booth's escape route and reveals the personalities and intrigues surrounding the assassination. Special Itinerary!

Indian Markets

Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10 a.m.


Learn about the different types of rice available, how to buy cumin, and how to tell if okra is fresh. Indian-born food writer, cookbook author, and Washington Post columnist Monica Bhide takes us to explore the aisles of an Indian grocery store.

Spring in the Smithsonian Garden

Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10 a.m.

Stroll with Smithsonian horticulturalist Janet Draper through the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and learn some of her tricks for creating a garden with substance and longevity throughout the year. 

Creating Unique Images: A Photo Trek for the Right Side of Your Brain

Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.

Come join us in the colorful Adams Morgan entertainment neighborhood for a walking tour that will sharpen your eyes for pictures you never knew were there. This trek is taught by E. David Luria, a Paris-trained architectural photographer and director of Washington Photo Safari.

Recycling New York: New Uses for Aging Infrastructure

Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 7 a.m.

Visit three recent projects that took underused, outmoded, or abandoned structures in New York City and creatively transformed them into greener elements of the urban environment. Lecturer in urban studies and architecture Bill Keene leads this tour.

Creating Unique Images: A Photo Trek for the Right Side of Your Brain

Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.

Come join us in the colorful Adams Morgan entertainment neighborhood for a walking tour that will sharpen your eyes for pictures you never knew were there. This trek is taught by E. David Luria, a Paris-trained architectural photographer and director of Washington Photo Safari.

Mountain Rail Extravaganza

Friday, June 4, 2010 at 8 a.m.

Join one of our most popular rail journeys, as it winds through the beautiful Virginia and West Virginia countryside. Railroad Historian Joe Nevin leads this three-day excursion on four different railroads.

Philadelphia: Historic Maritime Center

Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.

On this all-day tour, visit the Independence Seaport Museum, enjoy lunch on the historic ship and floating restaurant Moshulu, climb abroad the cruiser and submarine, and end the day with a cruise on the Delaware River to see glimpses of famous battleships, as you learn about the city’s ship building history.  This tour is led by transportation expert Scott Hercik.

Crossing the Delaware: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton

Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 7 a.m.


Join a Revolutionary War tour which explores the crossing of George Washington and his army over the Delaware River in the winter of 1776 and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton that followed. The tour is lead by historian Ed Bearss.

Lincoln's Civil & Political Washington

Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 8 a.m.


For some 50 months, Washington, D.C., was Mr. Lincoln’s home. Sites in the city intimately associated with the President and his family abound, and seeing them adds to our appreciation for the man. Join historian Ed Bearss on a closer look at Lincoln through a full-day exploration of the city and its environs.

Back to the top