Events Post July 11-15: ExplorAsia, Addy’s World, the Goddard 1940/41 Rocket, Al Najoom and Hubble 3D

Monday July 11 ExplorAsia

Don’t let your Monday turn into a drag, join the Sackler Gallery for a special look at  The Orchids in Chinese Painting. Come to the exhibition gallery between 1:30 and 3:30 Monday afternoon and journey to China to discover the orchid. Examine ceramic flower containers and the orchid paintings in the gallery.  Then see if you’ve got what it takes as you try your hand at arranging flowers. Look closely at the works of art and then learn about the symbolism of the orchid in Chinese art. Design your own personal symbols or write a family poem as you listen to Chinese music. This event is free and family-friendly so come anytime during the 2-hour block.

Tuesday July 12 Discover Addy’s World

This Tuesday why not try something different? Come to the American History Museum and participate in Discover Addy’s World. Set out on this self-guided tour of the museum and explore life in the Civil War. Addy Walker is a nine-year old girl born into slavery who escapes to freedom with her mother in the Civil War. Follow the tour to learn how Addy lived and discover what life was like for other young African-American girls during the Civil War as you explore artifacts and stories throughout the museum. Bring your downloaded copy of the Self-Guide to the museum, and use it to collect the keep-sake stamps as you follow the tour. After, take the completed guide to one of the museum stores to qualify for a free gift.

Wednesday July 13 Missile Explanation

Come out Wednesday and join the Air and Space Museum staff as they offer the Ask an Expert Lecture Series. Meet at Milestones of Flight on the first floor, Gallery 100, at 12 to hear curator Michael Neufeld speak about the history of the Goddard 1940/41 Rocket. This was one of the most advanced rockets of its time. Equipped with turbo-pumps, it was powered by propellant which was forced into a high pressure combustion chamber. It was also the largest and last liquid-fuel flight rocket tested at Roswell, New Mexico, between 1938 and 1941. Ask Neufeld any questions you have about the rocket, then take your time exploring the rest of the world of rockets, satellites and space flight.

Thursday July 14 Check Out Al Najoom

Make your Thursday a memorable one and stop by the African Art Museum. Come to the pavilion at 2 to watch a performance by the Al Najoom Troupe. The troupe comes from Ja’alan Bani Bu Ali in Oman, Africa, a market town famous for its singers and dancers.  Oman’s traditional music combines aspects of the indigenous Arab Islamic culture with influences from East Africa and Asia and has a long history. Al Najoom, which means stars, is popular for the skill of their dancers, the precision of their musicians and the quality of their singers. The troupe is also known for its energetic and exuberant performances. This is a free event that the whole family can enjoy.

Friday July 15 3-D Adventure

Escape the heat this Friday with a trip to the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater of the Air and Space Museum for a 3D adventure. Hubble 3D takes viewers on a 3D ride accompanying the astronauts aboard the Hubble Space Telescope missions, one of the greatest achievements since Armstrong’s landing on the moon. Watch the astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult tasks undertaken in NASA’s history. Sit back as you experience launches, project setbacks and daring rescues all as you learn about the infamous Hubble Telescope, one of the most important scientific instruments since Galileo’s telescope. This film has a run time of 45 minutes and plays daily at 12, 2:40, 4:40 and 6:40. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office prior to the show or online.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions go to the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide.