The S. Dillon Ripley Center, better known simply as the Ripley Center, is one of the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution series of museums located in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The above-ground portion is only a small pagoda, and it descends into a larger underground portion. The Ripley Center houses the International Gallery, The Smithsonian Associates, and the offices of the Smithsonian Contributing Membership. It contains a conference center, an art gallery, and meeting/class rooms as well as exhibition space. It connects underground to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, and the Freer Gallery of Art.The Smithsonian Associates was formed in 1992 from combining the Resident Associates Program with the Smithsonian National Associate Program. The Smithsonian Associates was established as the cultural, educational, and membership division of the Smithsonian Institution. These membership and educational programs include the Young Benefactors, Smithsonian Sleepovers, Resident Associates Program, Discovery Theatre, Regional Events, and the Art Collectors Program.The Art Collectors Program is devoted to the creation and appreciation of contemporary American limited-edition art and to creating a context for collecting and a forum for artists to discuss their work. The Program sells Smithsonian-commissioned contemporary fine art prints and posters by acclaimed American artists like Sam Gilliam and April Gornik. Its limited-edition prints are numbered and signed and come with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Smithsonian.

Its worth passing through the Ripley Center if youre visiting the Museum of African Art and/or the Freer/Sackler. Graphic Eloquence is always on display and worth seeing. The current temporary exhibit, Artists at Work, is an impressive array of works by Smithsonian staff. There are a couple of vending machines for reasonably priced drinks and snacks.

The Smithsonian’s Ripley Center is where the majority of the administration’s offices are. It is also connected (And Accessible) by way of the African American Art Building found in the garden of the Smithsonian Castle.The Ripley center (Smithsonian Associates) hosts community art classes on a quarterly basis (Typically each class is 3-8 sessions on the same day/time slot). These classes are taught by incredible professionals and typically don’t hold more than 15 students. The pricing and upcoming quarters schedule can be found online or by picking up a Smithsonian Associates Magazine inside the Ripley Center.Bathrooms are on the bottom/basement floor (wheelchair accessible) either down the hall to the right of where the elevator opens or on the opposite end of the hall after the first room of the African American Art History museum.

Very nice side attraction when visiting the capital! Really enjoyed the exhibits. Everyone goes to DC for the show stopper attractions but really there is so much hidden within the cuty to enjoy. Strongly recommend a stop to take in as much of our nations history as possible.

The Castle great first stop on the Smithsonian museum tour, try the muffins in the cafe very tasty.

Gardens outside fabulous in spring. Architecture beautiful. Didnt see art.

The Ripley Center is, in fact, under the roof garden and has a changing exhibit area. Plus some exhibits on artwork. Kind of hidden and never crowded. You can also access it from the Asian Art Museum or the African Art Museum. Restrooms available.

It was very interesting to learn about jewelry and distinctive status symbolism.

Smithsonian institute holds an array of different classes ranging from history to photography. I’ve taken several photography classes in order to better develop my craft. One of my favorites is open darkroom plus thought by Joe.

To me this was the original Smithsonian that I grew up with. To see it now had me smiling ear to ear.

Whether you are attempting DC in a day or something longer, plan a stop here early in the trip.

Walk around the gardens outside the castle for a Never Regret How I Just Spent My Time experience.

A nice view of African cultures. Would gladly recommend.

I loved this free museum more than any other. Impeccably clean, organized with lots of security taking care of the art exhibits. They had the Asian culture art and photography

Great place to take a break and chill

The S. Dillion Ripley Centre (free entry) is one of many museum and exhibition venues located along the south side of The Mall in D.C. Opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm daily.This is a small, circularly shaped kiosk style building with a copper dome, situated between the Smithsonian Castle and the Freer Gallery. Upon entry, you descend several floors where you find exhibitions which change throughout the year.The underground exhibition area is directly linked to the Freer Gallery, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and National Museum of African Art. As such, you can actually use the entry for any of these four venues and each any of the others including the Ripley Centre exhibition space.Note: The Smithsonian Ripley Centre webpage has information on current and upcoming exhibitions. This is worth a quick review if you are considering making a stop here during upcoming visits to D.C.

Great place to sit enjoy the sun and scenery

The kids loved the flowers and just walking through here relaxing and enjoying the different scents

Amazing exhibition. We really enjoyed it.

We were in town to sell my condo and was my 4 year old daughters first time seeing the sights in DC...It was exciting to show her my hometown

Was there for a lecture. An amazing space deep underground. Look forward to being there in the future. Look for the copper dome between the Castle and Freer.

Really Nice place, if your walking around alot, if you go deeper into the outside center you will find a secret garden:)

I enjoy going to museums when you are in DC you do all those things

The little secret entrance is what I call it - the hidden gateway to a TON of cool and interesting things. The building looks, to me like a tiny enclosed gazebo, others describe it as a tiny mushroom shaped structure just on the outside near the Castle.Whatever or however you describe it - its an entrance way into an underground area of knowledge. I havent scoped all of it out, as Im mostly attending a talk, lecture, or presentation offered by the Smithsonian, and these are usually after work hours.Easy access, with Handicap parking just out front, escalators and elevators for anyone who needs them [or the exercise buff that looks for the challenge, take the stairs!]Come early and sit outside a bit and enjoy the flowers of the nearby garden, or people watch as others walk the perimeter of the mall - lovely place.

Back home.It brings back good memories.Only downside is. Now parking you have to pay for. Years ago. It was part of the fun to drive around the mall area, looking for a spot. Then check out the whole mall area all day.Now I think I paid $5. And set my Google countdown for 3 hours with 30 min walk back time, so I didnt have to worry about a ticket.

Beautiful place. Welcoming and some really cool stuff to do there.

It was very confusing to get around as I was with my friend who is a wheelchair and his family. We had to go up, Down, Up, down, and back up just to see all the exibits and we had to go from elevator to elevator and some of them were hard to find. But as a recommendation add a few more signs to guide people to the different elevators.

The wonderful curators of the National Museum of African Art bring consciousness to a continent rich with creativity, cultural beauty and diversity

It was interesting! The photo that you could take that is made up of all the topics that the museum covered was cool but we never received either of the photos via email as promised so if we had not taken one with our cellphone, we wouldnt have had one(and yes, I did check spam and trash folders).

The Smithsonian is massive thers load to see in all the different buldings

All museums here are great. This one has a small footprint but connects to a vast set of underground museums. Very cool

Fun architecture for an 8 year old to walk into... A castle. It could provide more information on the museums - I learned more about them on Google and from a hat hawker outside on the Mall...

Beautiful place to visit.

Third trip to DC and I finally popped into the Smithsonian castle. Would have loved to have taken the tour but it was too late in the day. One of the staff passed me in the doorway and gave me a few minutes worth of verbal history on the building as he was heading out. It was fascinating and I appreciate his taking time to do so. Im very impressed with the staff I interfaced with at every Smithsonian facility I stopped in to. Theyre doing something right to hire and keep this caliber of staff!

Wonderful exhibit for Burning Man. Absolutely fascinating.

Loved my visit here. Very organized experience, and definitely worth the time to check it out. Easy to recommend!!

Its very fun place

Pretty cool place, huge, need 2 days to explore all the building

Was here for a workshop - great staff/lots of fun activities to go to

Enter here to subterranean maze of Freer and Sackler Museum and Museum of African Arts. Wonderfully thought provoking contemporary art and cultural exhibits.

Artforms from all over the world!. Collections are great. But, people who have done detailing did not have sufficient knowledge. Many Indian related collections were not giving accurate information. Lot of improvement required in the explanation part.

A beautiful place. All these museums.Wow.A great way to spend time with family.

Such a cool space! I love descending the spiral stone steps to get to my class. Havent yet been during business hours, but its a very unique space.

Beautiful place full of history. I recommend taking a stop here if you enjoy architecture. Food and restrooms are available here as well.

Taking visitors back in time travelling to unknown palaces.... wonderful

Decent art gallery with nice looking outdoor landscape.

Great gardens and upkept super well. Great place to walk around

Awesome place to find a free bathroom. Its like a portal into other Smithsonian Museums via stairs and escalators or elevators you can go from here into deep basement museums and then when you resurface you will be behind the Smithsonian Castle in the African Art one or elsewhere. If you get lost, just ask the security people.

Beautiful relaxing place

This place is not what you would expect. But it is a nice art gallery.

Good for non Asians & Indians (Asia).

Cafeteria was not the best but the Smithsonian Castle bldg is a must-see. Also convenient Metro stop. Beautiful plant & sculpture gardens

I liked the facility the only thing I didnt like was that we got there a little bit early and they didnt let us wait inside even though it was chilly outside. It was only 10 minutes and the kids entertained each other so it wasnt so bad. I went as a chaperone on a field trip.

How can you not great 5 stars? Always love going to the muesems.

Very nice for the whole family. Relaxing atmosphere.

Pretty small but beautiful space and a good spot for a break in the A/C, grab a snack, etc.

Loved this place. Art work is awesome

One of the many museums in DC that is well worth a visit

Beautiful, so much art. This place is a must see.

All the museums in Washington,D.C are the best always very clean inside and out and all the museums are free

Very interesting. Great place to see old things.

Used for Smithsonian lectures. Very difficult underground facility - poorly designed. No convenient parking. Bring your own food and drinks.

Love this place been going here since I was a kid.

A priceless place yo behind any greater Smithsonian adventure.

The castle. Historic and eye catching American as it gets. A must see. Even just to say, I have been there and now I want to go back.

The Castle and the the museum next to it with the botanical garden are fabulous.

Really interesting. Enjoyed

Its so full of beautiful things to see.

Unexpectedly wonderful gardens surrounding the Smithsonian castle.

The best way to start your exploring the museums in washington.

It was cool to see the original Smithsonian. The founder is buried here.

Needs to be open to the public on a more regular basis. Parts never open apparently.

I never knew this place existed...It so tucked away.Almost as if it was hidden and never meant for you to find.But I love a good treasure hunt and boy did I come across some jewels there.Definitely recommend the visit PS. For all backpackers only wear one strap or messenger idk the rules are WEIRD !

A great look inside the interworking of a museum, and the people and attractions that make one successful.

Interesting museum that is bigger than it appears.

The S. Dillon Ripley Center is a hidden, bizarre little gem of DCs museums. You get into it through a little kiosk that looks like another bathroom or visitor center, and descend into the basement... where theres a whole complex of stuff. The exhibits change frequently, so check before going, but this is a great stop in the Mall for people who have done everything else.

The theatre was awesome the shows were so fun and the kids loved it

A small and quick stroll through some halls with some curios and information.

Love museum crawls.

Every culture is represented here. Very nice atmosphere. Must see.

One of DCs best-kept secrets!

Great weather to visit for the time of year.

This place has a massive collection of African art. You will learn alot from this place. It is a free entry but restrictions apply.

Amazing. Building is super impressive as well

Loved this place. Very relaxing with lots to see & do

Beautiful exhibits and interactive.

A place for adults; no activities for children

Not a bad place to visit, if you like art.

Amazing scenery

Not allowed in because my Bass pro hat was offensive

I volunteer here. It contains classrooms, lecture halls and an auditorium for the Smithsonian Associates educational outreach programs for all ages.

Nice older building with tour and displays!

Cute cafe. Not much to see here.

Office of Smithsonian Associates. Classrooms for Smithsonian presentations. Gallery of Art. No food or beverage available. Located next to the Smithsonian Castle.Security on top small entrance. Elevator and stairs to lower levels.

Decent art gallery. The architecture is impressive. It also houses multiple classroom for GWU and the Smithsonian

Need better air conditioning and lower prices

One of my favourite galleries in DC. The different exhibit constantly changing are marvelous. Every time I go I find something new!

Very helpful. Very beautiful castle!

Nice facility. Not a lot on display, but worth the visit.

If you like art and paintings then youll like this place