Shop the Smithsonian

Southern Living, Nov 1995

The magnificent museum complex known as the Smithsonian Institution contains the greatest collection of gift shops on the planet. We've listed our favorites here. All are on The National Mall in Washington, D.C., unless otherwise noted. To learn more, write Smithsonian Information, Smithsonian Institution, SI Building, Room 151, MRC O10, Washington, DC 20560; or call (202) 357-2700.

* Arts and Industries Building. Victorian stationery and cards; reproductions of Victorian jewelry and dinnerware.

* National Air ad Space Museum. Main shop (there are three) is biggest and best. Aircraft books, flying toys, holograms.

* National Gallery of Art. West Building Shop: reproductions as posters, puzzles, computer screen savers. Concourse Shop: books. Skip the small East Building Shop.

* National Museum of African Art. Musical instruments, clothing, textiles, jewelry, recordings.

* National Museum of American History. Regional foods, crafts, history books, needlepoint kits, teddy bears, coin collecting kits.

* National Museum of Natural History. Nature books and recordings in the main shop, dinosaur paraphernalia across the hall, a stunning Gem and Mineral Shop on the second floor.

* National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Several shops; the best is the Zoo Bookstore, with stuffed animals, clothing, animal jewelry, nature books.

* Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Gorgeous silk ties and scarves, glassware, wooden bowls.

* Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Asian pottery, jewelry, decorative arts, books, games.