In September of 2004, Discovery Theater opened its new doors underground in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall.  Our former home, The Arts & Industries Building was closed in preparation for renovation.  Our new theater can accommodate up to 200 people.  Children sit on the carpeted floor space, while chairs and risers outline the perimeter of the room.  Our entire stage, technical equipment, and seats are completely portable!  Discovery Theater, or Room 3111, is used for many other Smithsonian events during the day and evening.

The Ripley Center is named for a former Secretary of Smithsonian.  Entered from a copper domed kiosk on Jefferson Drive between the Castle and the Freer Gallery of Art, the Ripley Center houses the International Gallery and The Smithsonian Associates.  It also contains a small conference center and meeting rooms.  And if you don’t feel like going outside, connect to the Freer and Sackler Galleries or the African Art Museum – all underground!

Please visit our neighbors when you come down for a show!

• The International Gallery
• The Smithsonian Associates
• National Museum of African Art
• Freer & Sackler Galleries