James Smithson’s Holiday Birthday Ball

Event Date: 
Friday, December 4, 2015 - 8:00pm to 11:00pm
RSVP Recommended
Cost:
$25.00
Included Items: 
General Admission; VIP: $50 (includes early access, open bar, and small bites from 7 to 8 p.m.)

SAVE $5: Login using the Promo Code 218565 to purchase your discounted tickets. You must login before adding tickets to your cart to view any discounted ticket prices. If you do not already have an account you must create one.

When it came to gift-giving, James Smithson was a champ. On his death in 1829, the English chemist and mineralogist left his sizeable fortune to the United States—a place he'd never visited—to found "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge" called the Smithsonian Institution.

Now, on the 250th anniversary of his birth*, it's time to give him a big thank-you by gathering in the original Smithsonian building, the historic Castle, for a birthday bash inspired by James, his era, and the Smithsonian itself.

It’s going to be a terrific party:

Learn plenty of quirky and fascinating facts about Smithson in a trivia challenge. Here’s a head start: He was crazy about traveling, has a mineral named after him, and he wrote a cookbook.

Like any proper ball, count on dancing and drinks, including one inspired by James’s own recipe for ginger beer. Music by DJ As-One and cash bar by Tortoise and Hare.

A scavenger hunt lets you explore some of the treasures hidden throughout the corners of our weird and wonderful Castle. Pay a visit to Smithson’s crypt along the way.

Head to the photo booth to create your own "portrait." As always, there’s no specific dress code for Smithsonian at 8 events, but if you’d like to dress to impress in 18th-century-inspired finery, think fans, feathers, fancy waistcoats, and anything else suitably dramatic to give a period flair to your modern party wear. You might be a prize winner!

There’ll be some crafty activities, too.

Since there are now about 137 million objects in his collections, Mr. Smithson doesn’t need any gifts. But in the spirit of his generosity, you can bring a present that will go to a local children’s charity.

Special features for VIP ticket-holders: Exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., including an open bar featuring beer, wine, and specialty cocktails and small bites. (Please note that these VIP benefits are available only between 7 and 8 p.m.)

Purchase tickets HERE.

Photos from our last event!