Smithsonian Associates Streaming Launches With Expert-Led Lectures, Virtual Tours and Studio Arts Classes

Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based educational program—presents a new online learning initiative, Smithsonian Associates Streaming. Live programs through June 11 are offered free of charge with an expanded slate of virtual programming, inspired by the full range of topics Smithsonian Associates offers year-round, available for ticketed streaming beginning June 16.

Free streaming programs include a virtual tour of the National Mall with an architecture expert and a pantry-friendly cooking class with food writers Charlotte Druckman and Joe Yonan, whose newly released cookbooks are perfect guides to quarantine cooking. A session with a film critic explores modern classics and the films that inspired them—streaming recommendations and a film-history lesson in one. Studio arts offerings include a hand-sewing class for mindful reflection and a card-making class using stamps, ink and paper to bridge the social distance.

Ticketed streaming programs will be offered beginning in mid-June. Participants can enjoy a lavishly illustrated four-session course exploring the World Heritage Sites of Asia or learn about the paratrooper generals of D-Day, who parachuted into Normandy and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their men in continuous combat for 33 days. Author David Taylor explores how the artists and writers of the New Deal found creativity in dark times, and historian Garrett Peck examines America in the new millennium: how the fallout from the Great Recession led to the hyper-polarized society of the years that followed and the current era of cultural division. Those looking for a creative outlet can learn to paint landscapes in watercolor, take a desktop orchid class or get an introduction to Palestinian embroidery.  

Prices for streaming lectures are $25 for the general public and $20 for Smithsonian Associates members. Prices for courses and studio arts classes vary. Online registration is required for free programs. For tickets and information, the public may visit www.smithsonianassociates.org/streaming.

For 55 years, Smithsonian Associates has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.