National Museum Day
Mark your calendar for a freebie that’s sure to please! Invite some friends, take a date, or go it alone. Head to a museum near you on September 30th, 2006 for National Museum Day!
The Smithsonian Institute traditionally opens its doors to the public, free of charge one day a year. For those of us who can’t make it to Washington D.C., the Smithsonian coordinated an extended arrangement with museums across the country. Your local museums and other cultural institutions are graciously offering free admission too.
Simply log onto http://smithsonianmagazine.com/museumday/ to print your free admission card. Each card allows two people entry in to one museum. The site is user friendly and easy to navigate. You can search for participating locations by city, state or zip code. Click on the links to the venue for more information about their current exhibits, hours, location and directions.
There are sure to be crowds so here are a few tips to make your visit more enjoyable.
1. Take public transportation if possible. Parking lots and street parking may be especially difficult due to heightened traffic.
2. Museums can be maze-like. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the museum. Determine which exhibits and pieces you most want to see and head to them first if possible.
3. Check your coat or bag. With free hands you can maneuver through crowded galleries easier.
4. Wear comfortable rubber soled shoes. You may be walking a lot. The last thing other visitors want to hear are your heels clanking through expansive galleries.
5. If you’re taking children, there are many kid friendly venues that shatter the typical “don’t touch, fragile” museum image. Talk about your trip to the museum in advance. Get the kids excited about what they’ll see and experience before the adventure.
6. Enjoy the art and beauty of your local museum. Have fun!
Surfgirl and I are going to the local Natural history museum that day… because we have lived across the street from the building and NEVER went in 4 blasted years!
Interesting — THis makes me realize I’ve been living near D.C. for too long — I forget that some museum charge for admission. I love having access to so many amazing museums for free, guess that is one perk for living in this part of the country. I’ll have to search if there are any pay-for-admission museums around that I’d like to visit and take advantage of the opportunity.