Mini Trip to Smithsonian Exhibits Facility
 

I was fortunate to sit next to a local artist, Lora, on a bus trip to Philadelphia. Turns out she works at the Smithsonian (“S”) venue that makes the models and furnishings for the S and other Federal facilities.

When Lora started her career, she sculpted faces and hands by hand. As technology progressed, she (and her staff now) can now take a photo of a face or hand, do a 3-D scan of it, and “print” it using a 3-D printer! Curved woods can go through the same process with saws that can make cuts following the computer’s guidance. May we just call it magic?

Recently, Lora kindly took a group of us on a tour of the exhibits facility. Those of us with any tools or computers were very jealous! A room just for welding, one for large-scale printing, several for building, and many specialty spaces.

We met an artist/tech who was restoring an Indian ceremonial hat. The original had been damaged. Using the process I mentioned above, the hat was “reprinted” (in the original wood) with the missing pieces reproduced. The tech was able to “restore” the hat with 3-D software on the computer. An interesting aside was that the artist/tech had to be adopted by the Indians in order to be allowed to handle the hat as it is sacred to the tribe.

If you have been to the National Zoo, did you see the pair of seals in a fountain? Go to this link (from 2015) for a much better description of the process:

http://exhibits.si.edu/sea-lion-scul...al-art-by-oec/

May we just call it magic?!

How wonderful! Thanks for posting. Is there any way members of the public can arrange a tour of the exhibits facility??

I've sent an email to Lora asking about that, NewbE. There is an open house in October but I can't locate a link yet. If you happen to find it, please share!

The facility WAS called OEC but that has changed and they have moved.

Thanks again! I wouldn't be surprised if the public isn't allowed tours, it would probably disrupt their delicate operations.

We visit friends in DC at least once a year, and we have a friendly competition over who can find a unique activity there. We've done all the usuals, although of course we go back and revisit those.

The tour in October is open to the public.


Have you visited the Botanic Gardens? They have some wonderful programs.

https://www.usbg.gov/

Library of Congress is pretty amazing also.

https://www.loc.gov/visit/tours/

Wow, how interesting! Magic indeed.

Library of Congress, yes we have, did a docent-led tour, which enriched our visit so, so much. I highly recommend doing that!

Botanic Gardens are on the list for this year. Have you read about the Chinese Garden going in, I think it's supposed to be done in a year or so?

We've done a bunch of the less well known historic homes around the area, including the Woodrow Wilson house, the Larz Anderson House (home of the Society of the Cincinnati--super interesting and obscure piece of history there) and, of course, Hillwood. The State Department diplomatic rooms were a highlight one year--you have to apply in advance, but they have regular tours; heard about that one here on Fodor's! A docent tour of the Supreme Court. Museums large and small.

You really can't run out of things to do in DC!

No, I hadn't read about the Chinese Garden. Should be wonderful. I often eat at the Smithsonian Indian Museum after I visit the Botanic Gardens.

You've got me on the Anderson House but the others I or my art group have seen. My DH and I honeymooned in D.C.

How about Dumbarton Oaks?

https://www.doaks.org/visit

Building Museum, Portrait Gallery (and the contiguous Museum of American Art), Octagon House are also interesting. Oh, I forgot the mint.

Thanks, Liz!

What a great opportunity. It's fantastic that a place like the Smithsonian has that kind of technology now.

Thanks for the report.

That visit sounds amazing! How fortunate you are to be able to tour that facility.

For those reading this for DC hints--Dumbarton Oaks--our neighbor works there. He says the gardens are closed for a major overhaul until spring--hopefully by cherry blossom time. They have their own trees there.

In Alexandria, a mere few miles away is the Pope-Leighey house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

We like the National Portrait Gallery and the Newseum. How lucky we are to live nearby!

Oh, TDudette, I got confused! We have been to the Botanical Garden many times, it's the Arboretum that is on our list, and it's the Arboretum that is getting a large and elaborate garden installed by the Chinese government: 12 + acres, $100 million, 30 month timeline.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifes...=.bcdb163b5934

Should be spectacular!

Yes, we love Dumbarton Oaks, and also in Georgetown, nearby, Tudor Place is an interesting historic home that is rather off the beaten path.

The Pope-Leighey house goes on the list, thanks for the tip, StacyB!

What a fascinating experience! And it all happened because you are a nice friendly person.

NewbE, what a fun competition.

Thanks for more ideas (and kind words, dfrostnh).

The open house is October 4, 2017. There will be two 2-hour sessions. You need to RSVP to Peggy Abel at the email or direct line below to let her know to which session you'll attend.

3400 Pennsy Drive | Landover, MD 20785
Main: 301-238-2090 | Direct: 301-238-2095 | Fax: 202-312-2910
[email protected] | http://exhibits.si.edu

You must have a photo ID. Leave time to check in yourself and your camera. They check your bags when you leave.

Great information, thanks again!

dfrostnh, it really has been fun, we're very fortunate to have a reason to revisit DC over and over. I grew up nearby, SO and I lived there for years, we visit annually, and STILL find new and interesting things to do and see. DC is truly a treasure trove!

NewbE, I meant to note that the Arboretum had an amazing collection of Bonzai when I visited.

It was my experience that it is easier to get to it leaving D.C. on New York Ave. than coming from the 'burbs. Please do a TR about it.

bonsai (say "bone sigh")