The Discovery Theater is located in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall. The physical address is 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW. When entering the Ripley Center, take the stairs or elevator to the 3rd sublevel and follow signs to Discovery Theater.

The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater has developed a schedule of family-friendly programs that will inspire the imagination of all who participate.

Henson Open Cinema
Every Saturdays from Aug. 2 through Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by the Discovery Theater for a selection of shows featuring highlights from Jim Henson's work and a behind the scenes glimpse at the making of the magic.

Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years (1986)
Originally broadcast on CBS in 1986, this special finds all of the Muppets gathering for a banquet to honor their leader Kermit the Frog on his 30th year in show business.  Filled with clips from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, several feature films and rare early footage, it also includes a special cameo by Muppet creator Jim Henson.

Sesame Street: 20 And Still Counting (1989)
IIntroduced by Jim Henson and hosted by Bill Cosby, this program, produced to mark the milestone twentieth year of "Sesame Street," includes memorable moments, appearances by Placido Domingo, Sesame Street's cast of humans and Muppets, and the show's creator Joan Ganz Cooney.

Down at Fraggle Rock: Behind the Scenes (1987)
Jim Henson hosts this look behind the scenes at "Fraggle Rock." Featuring appearances by the performers and creative team, this show explores the characters, music and technical wizardry that made this classic Henson production possible.

"Reel” Live Puppets!
Meet the Museum: International Gallery
September 18 and 19, showings at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.

IIn this program—geared towards children ages 2 through 8—meet Rags, the world's cutest puppy marionette, and learn how puppets “come alive” in person and on screen in an interactive show about imagination and the “reel” world. Participants will then hop over to the International Gallery to see “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World.” 

Heather Henson’s Handmade Puppet Dreams for Kids
Friday, Oct. 3, showings: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4, showings at 10:15,11:30 a.m., and noon

Jim Henson’s talented and visionary daughter Heather brings her Film Festival of puppetry with beautiful, funny and really cool puppet videos for kids, all created by the new generation of young puppet artists.  Sprout, a film by Jeanne Stern is about a kitchen sink over-flowing causing the room to flood and sprout to life. In Trixie and the Treetrunks Trixie and Marsha try, try, try to start a band.  Piano Mouths by Jeanne Stern treats us to an ordinary piano that becomes a puppet! Pupsock & Wendell in the Gallery of Doom by Patrick Algermissen is an action adventure where our heroes attempt to save Princess Stacie from her kidnappers in a haunted museum. Bottle Bug Band by John Kennedy helps the audience to find out that every day should be Earth Day. And since these are 21st century puppeteers, all the puppets are made from ‘found’ paper and recycled objects! You are then invited to visit ‘Jim Henson’s Fantastic World’ in the International Gallery.

An additional showing on Saturday, Oct. 4 at noon will be followed by the special family program “Puppet of ME!”
A one-hour interactive puppet making activity led by master puppeteer John Kennedy. Take home a puppet you make yourself—OF yourself. Reception, book signing, exhibit visit and videos of John’s web workshops make this day super special!