A Night at the World’s Fair with #SMITHSONIANat8

You’re invited to step into the spectacular Arts and Industries Building for a grand party that offers a taste of world’s fair history. The Smithsonian’s most beautiful (and secret) space comes to life in the spirit of fair entertainments with music, roving performers, dancing, drinks and midway-inspired food, games, and more. Built as America’s first national museum to permanently house the exhibits of the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the Arts and Industries Building is the perfect place to celebrate the glamour, excitement, innovations, and fun of the golden age of world’s fairs. With its soaring arches, three-story domed rotunda, elaborate stenciling and stained glass, and intricately patterned floors, the structure boasts one of Washington’s most splendid Gilded-Age interiors. Because of extended renovations, the public hasn’t entered this 1881 architectural treasure for 12 years. But SMITHSONIAN at 8 is ready to take you inside! The evening includes: - Dancing to music by DJ Trayze - Carnival games, trivia, and a photo booth to capture moments to share - World’s fair fare inspired by foods that debuted at these global extravaganzas, as well as a cash bar by Tortoise and Hare - Plenty of opportunities to take a rare close-up look at the stunning Arts and Industries Building and its opulent decoration Take your fashion cues from your favorite world’s fair era and you might take home a prize. Perhaps you’ll find your style in Victorian London, site of the celebrated Crystal Palace, or elegant Belle Epoque Paris, where the Eiffel Tower astonished visitors to the Exposition Universelle of 1889. Or choose an all-American look that reflects the period of the dazzling St. Louis world’s fair of 1904 or the World of Tomorrow imagined at the New York fair of 1939. No matter what you wear, you’ll enjoy saluting the fun and the history of world’s fairs—and doing it in a stunning Smithsonian setting. Special features for VIP ticket-holders: Enjoy an open bar all night, as well as exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., featuring a bar that includes specialty cocktails and small bites. GENERAL admission tickets include two complimentary drinks and carnival snacks. Tickets: http://ow.ly/10D4Do ---------------------------------------------------------------- General admission: $50 (includes two complimentary drinks and carnival snacks) VIP admission: $100 (open bar all night, as well as exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., featuring a bar that includes specialty cocktails and small bites.) If tickets are available at the door, prices will increase to $60 for General admission and $125 for VIP admission. All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets are not mailed. Check-in at the door. All guests must be 21; a photo ID is required for entry.