The Smithsonian Associates

The Smithsonian Associates advances the Institution's mission to "increase and diffuse knowledge" through life-enriching educational and cultural experiences inspired by the Smithsonian's research and collections for DC-region students, families and adults, and for learning communities nationwide.

The Smithsonian Associates - the largest museum-based educational program in the world - has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming inspired by the Smithsonian's research, collecctions and exhibitions, since our founding in 1965.

Each year more than 800 individual programs are presented to spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages in the Washington, DC area and beyond.

Smithsonian Associates brings the Smithsonian to life through studio art classes, seminars, performances, lectures, regional study tours, museum sleepovers, festivals and special events.