Studio Arts
Smithsonian Studio Arts
The Smithsonian's own adult education program, museum-adjacent classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography for all levels.
Editor's note
Smithsonian Studio Arts sits at the intersection of art education and museum access. Class levels vary widely, read course descriptions carefully, as some assume prior experience. Smithsonian Associates membership gives a discount on registration but is not required.
New to this?
This studio welcomes beginners. No prior experience required.
What to expect your first visit
- Register through smithsonianassociates.org, check the skill level description in the course listing before enrolling
- The Smithsonian Metro station (Blue/Orange/Silver Line) is the closest stop for most class locations
- Smithsonian Associates membership reduces the class fee but is optional
- Materials requirements vary, check the course listing for what to bring; some workshops provide supplies
Best for
Adults who want drawing, painting, or photography classes in a museum-adjacent setting, beginner options exist alongside advanced courses, with Smithsonian collections as context.
What to expect
Classes meet at Smithsonian facilities near the National Mall. Workshops run one to two days; multi-week courses cover fundamentals more progressively. Instructors are typically working artists. Some courses incorporate access to relevant parts of the Smithsonian's collections.
Organized and institution-backed, with a mix of casual learners and more experienced practitioners. The museum setting gives classes a context that most standalone studios don't offer.
What to bring
Check the course listing for a specific supply list. Some workshops include materials; others expect you to bring your own.
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Details
Level
All levels
Location
National Mall
DC
Metro
Blue Line · Orange Line · Silver Line · Green Line · Yellow Line
How to book
Online registration
Details are maintained by community members and may change. Check the studio's website for current offerings.