The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater is a live theater designed for children ages 2 to 16 that spotlights cultural and heritage arts, museum theater, living history, as well as accessible science and math. This venue serves as a destination for live performances on the National Mall, presenting a full season of shows and offering a gateway to the Smithsonian museums. Importantly, performances are open to the public, while touring productions and classroom programs are available for students throughout the Washington DC area. Therefore, advance reservations may be arranged for school groups and youth organizations.
Location
Discovery Theater is conveniently located on the 3rd level of the S. Dillon Ripley Center, situated at 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, on the National Mall, adjacent to the Smithsonian Castle.
The closest Metro station is the Smithsonian on the Orange and Blue line, as well as the L’Enfant Plaza stop on the Yellow and Green line. It’s important to note that parking is very limited near the National Mall, so exploring parking options in a guide to parking near the National Mall is recommended.
The Ripley Center also houses the Smithsonian International Gallery, which features changing exhibitions from the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibition Service, the National Portrait Gallery, and other Smithsonian museums. Additionally, Smithsonian Associates offers local residents the opportunity to become members and participate in various educational and cultural programs, including lectures, performances, seminars, and film screenings. Most of the facilities are underground in this unique setting.
Admission
Tickets for shows at the Discovery Theater typically range in price from $5 to $8. Scheduling for performances varies throughout the year; however, most are held on weekdays at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. For the latest information on the theater’s season, it’s best to visit discoverytheater.org or contact (202) 633-8700.
Dining and Restrooms
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and are encouraged to picnic on the National Mall. Furthermore, most of the Smithsonian Museums have their own cafés, which can be expensive and often crowded. Fortunately, there are a variety of restaurants and eateries within walking distance to the museums.
Moreover, all museums and most memorials on the National Mall feature public restrooms, and the National Park Service maintains several public facilities for convenience.
Attractions Near the Discovery Theater
- Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Air and Space Museum
- Washington Monument
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Mall Carousel
