How to Get a Behind the Scenes Tour at the Smithsonian

Getting a behind-the-scenes tour at the Smithsonian is not as difficult as you might think. There is no need to practice discreetly slipping security guards a wad of bills in a handshake. All it takes is a little planning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide which Smithsonian you would prefer to tour. Currently the Lunder Foundation Center and the Smithsonian Institute Building, the Castle offer tours.
2. Appear personally at the Luce Foundation Center information desk before 3 p.m. on the day you wish to have a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lunder Conservation Center. Tours leave from the third floor in the west wing of the Lunder Conservation Center every Wednesday afternoon at 3:00.
3. Be either a National Air and Space Museum member, a local resident or a Contributing Member of the Smithsonian if you want to tour the Smithsonian Institute's Castle. Tours are available by appointment only, and you must schedule two weeks in advance.
4. Reserve a tour in person by visiting the association desk at the Castle, or by calling [phone] between 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. TTY users may dial [phone]. You also can email a request for a tour at [e-mail]. Include your name, tour date, home address, a local telephone number (such as the hotel you are staying at) and how many are in your party. Both phone reservations, and email requests must be made by noon the Friday before the tour.
5. Depart on a Castle tour at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

Tips & Warnings

• To become a member of the Smithsonian, visit the Smithsonian Institution website. Air and Space Museum membership begins at $35, and contributing membership begins at $75.