FAQs

What is your snow/cancellation policy?
Discovery Theater is closed ONLY if the Federal Government is closed.  If your school is closed or delayed and you can not make your performance, please call us immediately at 202-633-8700.  We will do our best to re-book your group for another performance.  A refund will only be given if Discovery Theater is closed.

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?
You may purchase tickets in advance over the phone at 202-633-8700 or online through our website.  You will be redirected to a secure page on the Resident Associates website. Tickets are available in person at the Resident Associate Members 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.

How much are the tickets?
Regular prices range from $3-$12 depending on the program.  Groups of 10 children or more pay just $5 per person and a free adult ticket is given for every 15 child tickets purchased.

Will my tickets be mailed to me?
Individual ticket sales made 2 weeks prior to the performance will be mailed.  Tickets purchased after that will be held at the Box Office for you to pick up before the show.  If you don’t receive your tickets, please just check in at the Box Office on the day of your performance.  For Group Sales, a confirmation ticket will be mailed when your payment is received (if 2 weeks prior to performance).  This will include the show, date, time, and number of tickets reserved (you will NOT receive all of your tickets).  If payment is received after that, you will not receive a ticket confirmation in the mail.  All groups should check in at the Box Office upon arrival.

Why do I need a credit card to reserve group tickets if my school will pay by check?
The credit card is needed to hold the reservation until payment is received. Nothing will be charged to the card at the time of the reservation. An invoice will be sent and it must be paid by the due date indicated (two weeks before the performance date). If payment is not received by the due date or reservations are canceled less than two weeks before the performance date the credit card will be charged for the full amount of the invoice that is due.

Can I bring a check the day of the show?
No.  Payment MUST be received two weeks prior to the performance.  If a group order is made less than 2 weeks before the performance, payment is due 48 hours before the scheduled performance (credit card by phone, or cash/check in person). 

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

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 done on a first come first serve basis.  For most programs, children sit on the carpeted floor space and adults sit in chairs alongside of them or on the risers in the back of the theatre.  Please note that if there are a lot of adults accompanying your group, they may have to sit in the back, away from your group.  If you have special needs that require you or your group to sit in front, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Where can I eat lunch after the show?
Unfortunately, there is not a café or place to have lunch in the Ripley Center.  Many of the museums have cafés, including the Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum, American Indian Museum, and the Castle/Visitor’s Center.  Groups should call the specific museum to make arrangements for their group.  There are also plenty of benches along the mall for outdoor eating if weather permits.  Please call Smithsonian Information at 202-633-1000 for any questions regarding group eating.

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.