Most visitors miss out on the great fun had at the Smithsonian Museum at night. The events do not happen on a regular schedule, so you’ll have to contact the museum and ask about upcoming after hours events. You can reach them at 202-633-1000 or stop in and ask at 4th St and Independence Ave SW, Washington DC 20024. The events start at 8:00 pm and are for adults 21 or older. Chances are, you won’t catch the statues coming to life like they did in Night at the Museum, but you never know what might happen!
Also called “the nation’s attic” because of its storage of 154 million curios, the Smithsonian museum was actually a gift to America by a British Scientist. Upon his death and the passing of his son a few years later, James Smithson left a fortune in his will “to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men" what was $500,000 at the time would equal $11,509,000 in 2017 money.
Established on August 10, 1846, The Smithsonian Institute has grown to include 19 museums, 9 research centers, and a zoo. There are also 200 Smithsonian Affiliates spread out over 45 states.