WASHINGTON — Be proud, be you, be free.
The Smithsonian is ready to celebrate Pride this June with a variety of activities and exhibits. All programs are free.
Here's a look at what Smithsonian events will be happening:
Pride Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard
- Saturday, June 1 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- A performance by DC's Different Drummers will kick off family day at the museum, followed by GenOUT, the youth chorus of the Gay Men's Chorus of D.C. Batalá Washington, an Afro-Brazilian all female percussion band, will take the stage next, bringing Brazalian beats to the courtyard. Participants can make rainbow-themed crafts and face painting will be available for anyone 12 years old or younger. Special treats will be offered at the café on-site, and there will even be a scavenger hunt visitors can take part in to learn more about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to American art.
- Tickets are free, registration is encouraged.
- Online, the museum will celebrate Pride with "SAAM Stories" about artists whose work is included in the collection and its digital comics series, "Drawn to Art."
Artist Talk with Jeffery Gibson at the Hirshhorn Museum, Ring Auditorium
- Tuesday, June 4 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Gibson will join Hirshhorn assistant curator Betsy Johnson to talk about what defines his work and the inspiration behind it.
- His installation, “the space in which to place me” is the first solo presentation by a Native American artist for the U.S. Pavilion.
- Tickets are free to attend, registration is encouraged.
Pride Trivia Night at the National Portrait Gallery, Kogod Courtyard
- Tuesday, June 25 from 5 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.
- Celebrate Pride Month at the National Portrait Galley with a happy hour trivia night.
- Participants will test their knowledge of historic LGBTQ+ figures, events, and artwork inspired by the museum's collection.
- The free trivia game can be played individually or in teams of up to six people.
- Prizes will be awarded at the end of the evening.
- The museum’s Courtyard Café will be open during the event, and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
- Tickets are free, registration is encouraged.
James Baldwin Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery
- Mid-July through mid-April 2025.
- The “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance” exhibit will open in July, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the writer, essayist, playwright and activist. The exhibition will explore Baldwin’s legacy.
- “Baldwin was bolstered by a community of like-minded creatives, including Lorraine Hansberry, Nina Simone and Bayard Rustin, and his influence remains steadfast in the next generation of activists and artists,” said curator Rhea Combs. Born in Harlem, New York, Baldwin (1924–1987) considered himself “a witness” and used his writings and his work to talk about America and its history. Attempting to ensure the United States “kept the faith,” Baldwin was often recognized for speaking out against injustice.
Entertainment Nation Exhibition at the National Museum of American History
- Ongoing.
- This exhibit features LGBTQ+ artifacts and film clips.
- The National Museum of American History also offers exhibits, collection highlights and videos on its website.
Smithsonian Magazine
- Check out a variety of articles related to LGBTQ+ history and culture, featuring stories from the Smithsonian’s collections, exhibitions and programming, as well as outside articles.
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