FAQs

What is your snow/cancellation policy?
Discovery Theater is closed ONLY if the Federal Government is closed.  If you are unable to make your performance due to inclement weather (or for any other reason), please call us immediately at 202-633-8700.  We will do our best to re-schedule you for another performance.  A refund will only be given if Discovery Theater is closed. 

Please note: you must notify us via phone or email BEFORE your scheduled performance begins in order to exchange your tickets or receive a credit for a future performance.

Where is Discovery Theater?
The Discovery Theater is located in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall.  Our physical address is 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW.  Click here for a map.  When entering the Ripley Center, take the stairs or elevator to the 3rd sublevel and follow signs to Discovery Theater.

What about performances in other places?
Discovery Theater presents programs at almost every Smithsonian Museum, as well as Round House Theatre in Silver Spring, MD.  Always double check the location of your show when making reservations.  Get a complete list of locations and addresses on the Show Locations page. 

How do I get tickets?
Individuals may purchase tickets by calling the Resident Associates at 202-633-3030, M-F, 9-5pm, or online through our website.  You will be redirected to a secure page on the Resident Associates website.  Once you’ve purchased tickets online, you will receive an email confirmation.  If you do not receive this email, please call us immediately, as your order may not have gone through.  Tickets are available in person at the Resident Associates Office (3rd sublevel of the Ripley Center) or onsite the day of the show (if available).  Reservations are strongly recommended, as most of our programs sell out.

If you order your tickets more than two weeks before a show, they will be mailed to you.  Otherwise, tickets will be held for you at the box office and you can pick them up 15-20 minutes prior to your show time.  If you don’t receive your tickets for any reason, please just check in at the Box Office on the day of your performance. 

Can I buy tickets on the day of the show?
On show days, please call 202-633-8700 after 8:30 AM to hear a message about the day’s show.  This message will give you the ticketing situation for the day (sold out, tickets available, etc.).  Our shows are very often sold out and you will be put on a wait list upon arrival to the theater.  The wait list is not a guaranteed method of entry so we advise purchasing in advance as much as possible.  We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash at the door (please note cash is easiest).

How much are the tickets?
For our regular programs:
RAP Members - $5; Child - $6; Adult - $8; Child under 2 - $3

Family Special Performances:
RAP Members - $10; Child - $10; Adult - $12; Child under 2 - $3

Workshops:
Child - $10; Adult Helper: $5

Do you provide any educational materials before the show?
Yes.  Program Guides for each performance will be posted to our website at least two weeks before the shows (usually earlier).  They typically include background information on the performer or group, along with an activity for the classroom and a “Smithsonian Connection.”  Program Guides can be found in the Education section of our website or by clicking here.

What is your seating policy?
Seating is usually done on a first come, first serve basis. For many of our programs, we will also need to seat large groups of school children.  Families are sometimes ask to wait to enter the theater if we are about to seat a group or if the group arrived before you.  Families are often asked to sit in a specific section of the theater or auditorium.  This ensures that everyone has a seat and can see and hear the performance.

If you have special needs that require you or your child to sit in front, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What should I know before coming to the theatre?
Please visit our Smithsonian Resources page for lots of helpful information!


Where can I park at Discovery Theater?
Parking is VERY limited on the National Mall.  3 hour parking is available starting at 10:00 AM along Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive.  Metered parking is available behind the Ripley Center on Independence Avenue.  Colonial Parking is the nearest parking garage to the Ripley Center at 6th St. and Maryland Ave., SW.  For more information about Parking, please visit our Directions & Parking page.

What is the closest Metro Station?
Smithsonian on the Blue and Orange lines is the closest stop.  From the platform, use The Mall Exit.  At the top of the escalators, take the sidewalk to your right to Jefferson Drive.  Turn left on Jefferson and walk towards the Castle.  The Freer and Sackler Gallery will be on your right.  The Ripley Center is immediately after that.  It is a small, round building with a green roof.  Once you enter the Ripley Center, take the elevator or stairs to the 3rd sublevel and follow signs to Discovery Theater.