Weekend Events July 1-3: Air and Space Museum’s 35th Birthday, Babe Ruth and Cave temples of China

Friday July 1 Celebration! Air and Space Turns 35!

This Friday marks the 35th Anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum. Help celebrate this birthday in style throughout the museum by coming for a visit between 10 and 7:30. Stop by the Lockheed Martin IMAX theater for a special treat. To Fly!, the IMAX movie that premiered on the opening day of Air and Space, is playing once again for the anniversary. But that’s not all, the tickets are being offered at 1976 prices, 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. The film starts at 11:20 and will be shown throughout the day until 2. Then at 2, meet the curators Michael Neufeld and Alex Spencer as they discuss the history of the Air and Space Museum and also sign copies of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: An Autobiography. This book tells the story of the museum and collections from the museum’s opening days until the present time. Come by and wish the Air and Space Museum a happy birthday!

Saturday July 2 Portrait Story

Baseball is the American past time so why not spend your Saturday learning about one baseball’s greats? Swing by the Portrait Gallery‘s Education Center from 1 to 4, and listen to a story about legend Babe Ruth’s influence on American history and culture. The Great Bambino became one of the major league’s greatest hitters, helping the Yankees win seven pennants and four World Series. After you have had your fill of Babe Ruth, make your own souvenir by creating a special piece of art. This free event is on a drop-in basis and is recommended for adults and children ages five and up.

Sunday July 3 Explore the Caves of Xiangtangshan!

Spend your Sunday immersed in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery with a free tour of Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Cave Temples of Xiangtangshan. Meet at the Sackler information desk at 1, then journey with your guide through the cave temples of Xiangtangshan in the innovative exhibition consisting of both ancient Chinese sculpture and digital components. Take in the sixth-century Chinese Buddhist sculpture, via 3D imaging, and explore one of the most important groups of Buddhist devotional sites in medieval China. Marvel at the video installation’s kinetic re-creation of one of the largest stone temples in Chinese history, then head to research kiosks to gather more detailed information about the exhibit. After you tour, be sure to check out the other exhibits the Sackler has to offer.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian Institution events and exhibits go to the GoSmithsonian Visitors Guide.