« Weekend Watch: Family-oriented Colonial Fair in McLean | DC BABY: Home | DC BABY: The Book | Weekend Watch: Recess Monkey at Jammin' Java »
July 21, 2008
Free at the Smithsonian: Jim Henson exhibit, through October 5
Filed Under:
If you haven't yet made it to the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit at the Smithsonian, get thee downtown as soon as possible! It's a fabulous display of Henson's puppets, art, and video from The Muppet Show(s), Sesame Street, and more - plus a nice little interactive play area where children can "film" their own puppet show on a TV screen, design funny faces on their own original creatures on a big velcro board, and play dress-up.
There's also a store stocked with puppets, books, videos, and memorabilia related to Henson's world. (My favorite = the old-fashioned metal Kermit and Animal lunchboxes.)
Tips to make your visit less stressful: Arrive the moment they open, at 10 a.m. By 11:00, summer-camp groups with school-aged kids show up, and all hell breaks loose. Misery ensues for little ones and parents. I also suggest allowing extra time to find the place. Once inside the pagoda-like dome of the obscure Ripley Center (located on the Mall between the Freer Gallery and the Castle), you'll need to go through a security check and then wander down a series of stairs/escalators (or elevators). Once underground, you still have some navigating to do, and the gallery is not well-marked. Best bet: Follow the signs to the Discovery Theater, since the exhibit is just around the corner from it.
Probably goes without saying, but don't try to park down there at this time of year. Buses and out-of-state plates are all vying for the few spots available on the street. Ava and I went down early on a weekday morning and it was already mobbed with thousands of sweaty, confused, fanny-packed tourists. The Smithsonian metro stop is just a short 2 blocks from the Ripley Center.
The good news is, strollers are allowed inside. The bad news is, there's no "stroller check" area for those of you who want to ditch the wheels when you arrive. Oh, and did I mention you should pack cold water and copious snacks for this adventure? I failed on that count, and paid for it dearly on the way home.
Free admission. Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 9:55 AM.