Isn’t it amazing how a seemingly small pagoda on Jefferson Drive leads to a world of culture and knowledge? This unassuming entrance marks the S. Dillon Ripley Center. Many know it simply as the Ripley Center. It is an underground extension of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Ripley Center is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. You can find it at 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. Its above-ground presence is subtle. A copper-domed kiosk hints at the treasures below. Don’t mistake it for a mere information booth.
Named after the Smithsonian’s 8th Secretary, S. Dillon Ripley, the center is more than meets the eye. Descend beneath the surface. You will discover a hub of activity and learning.
Inside the Ripley Center, you will find the International Gallery. This gallery hosts temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions often focus on international themes. In 2011, “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” explored Latino musicians’ roles in various cities. The Ripley Center also premieres shows from the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibition Service. “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” launched here in 2009.
Another key component of the Ripley Center is the Smithsonian Associates. This program encompasses all of the Smithsonian Institution’s membership and educational programs. Lectures, films, art studios, and origami workshops are all part of the offerings.
The Discovery Theater resides within the Ripley Center. It delights children with educational performances. Shows like “WEE Speak! Spanish” and “Krazy Kitchen Science” engage young minds. Each December, “Seasons of Light” introduces kids to diverse cultural traditions. Diwali, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice are all explored.
The Ripley Center also houses offices. These offices support the Smithsonian Contributing Membership. Additionally, the Art Collectors Program is based here. This program promotes contemporary American art. It sells Smithsonian-commissioned prints by artists like Sam Gilliam and April Gornik.
The Ripley Center provides underground connections. You can access the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, and the Freer Gallery of Art from here. The Smithsonian Metro station is conveniently close to the Freer Gallery. This makes the Ripley Center easily accessible.
Admission to the Ripley Center is free. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on December 25.
So, next time you are on Jefferson Drive, don’t overlook the copper dome. It marks the entrance to the S. Dillon Ripley Center. It is a place where art, education, and culture converge beneath the National Mall.