Smithsonian Debuts New Orientation Film in the Castle

How about a tour of the Smithsonian museums with Ben Stiller as your guide? The star of “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” takes a light-hearted look at some of the millions of objects on exhibit in the Washington, D.C., museums. The 10-minute film runs continuously—seven days a week—in the orientation theater located in the Castle (the Smithsonian Institution Building).

The film, produced by Smithsonian Networks, takes visitors on a tour of 17 museums. Throughout the film, Stiller shares the must-see objects of each museum with viewers, while Smithsonian curators, scientists and researchers provide in-depth stories and information about the Institution’s collections. 

In addition to highlighting well-known objects such as the Hope Diamond and Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, the film also showcases the scientific research and conservation efforts taking place at the Smithsonian. The film explores how scientists at the National Zoo are working to preserve endangered species and how the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and other organizations are studying the effects of climate change on the earth.

The film’s fast-paced style provides information about the Smithsonian in a lively and upbeat format. Maps throughout the presentation highlight the Smithsonian museums and allow visitors to see exactly where they are located throughout the nation’s capital. After seeing the film, tourists can plan their visit by speaking with knowledgeable volunteers in the Castle visitor’s center, where they will receive additional information about all there is to see and do at the Smithsonian.

Visitors who would like to see the film before coming to Washington can go to www.smithsonian.org, click “Visit” on the top menu and access the link to the film. The film can also be viewed by clicking here: http://www.smithsonian.org/visit/InfoCenter/videotour.htm.

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