Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Legacy of Diversity
Deep within the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall, the Discovery Theater is doing something special for the next generation. Every year, it serves over fifty thousand c…
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Deep within the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall, the Discovery Theater is doing something special for the next generation. Every year, it serves over fifty thousand children, parents, and teachers, using live performances to celebrate regional and global diversity.
Run by the Smithsonian Institution, the theater doesn't just put on shows; it creates educational experiences focused on heritage, science, and culture. By drawing on the Smithsonian's vast collections and research, the theater transforms academic history into interactive stories that young people can touch and feel. It's a place where the complex heritage of the world is broken down into wonder and curiosity, ensuring that the stories of diverse peoples are told long before the children are old enough to visit the museums themselves.
Updated June 2026