Media Inquiries Public Inquiries 202-633-1000

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Launches Classic Film Festival and Summer Buffet as 25th Anniversary Celebration Continues

The real history behind some of the most treasured icons of flight in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum combines with Hollywood entertainment in the new "Milestones of Flight Film Festival." The summer series is one of many special events planned for the yearlong celebration of the museum's silver anniversary, which began on July 1.

Each week, a different artifact - such as the Mercury "Friendship 7" spacecraft and the Breitling Orbiter 3 Gondola - in the Milestones of Flight gallery will be highlighted. Museum docents will be on-hand beginning at 7 p.m. to answer visitors' questions about the evening's featured artifact. Inside the museum's Langley IMAX® Theater, a curator will share exciting history behind the aviation or space icon and introduce a major Hollywood film related to that history. The films - all classics - will be shown on the theater's giant screen at 8 p.m.

An all-you-can-eat buffet will be served in the museum's Flight Line Cafeteria from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu will change weekly and feature a variety of traditional summertime favorites.

The series kicks off with "War of the Worlds" on Saturday, July 28; it continues on the following four Saturday evenings in August with "Around the World in 80 Days," "October Sky," "The Right Stuff" and "Apollo 13." Tickets for the movies are $5, single admission, and $20 for the series. Dinner and a movie combo prices are $17.50, single admission, and $82.50 for the series. Dinner only is $12.50.

Tickets for the "Milestones of Flight Film Festival" and summer buffet may be purchased at the Langley IMAX® Theater box office, or through Tickets.com. Call Tickets.com at (800) 529-2440, or visit them online at www.tickets.com. (All purchases through Tickets.com are subject to service fees.)

The National Air and Space Museum, located on Independence Avenue at 6th Street S.W., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 


MILESTONES OF FLIGHT FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
All films begin at 8 p.m. on Saturdays

July 28 "War of the Worlds" (1953, 85 minutes, rated G)
Featured artifact: Viking Lander

H. G. Wells' classic novel is brought to life in this tale of alien invasion. Martians unleash a direct assault on Earth, destroying all the major cities throughout the world. Gene Barry and Ann Robinson star.
Pre-feature bonus: "Contact" (15 minutes).
Produced by the National Air and Space Museum, this film shows how the movies depict encounters with aliens.


Aug. 4 "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956, 179 minutes, rated G)
Featured artifact: Breitling Orbiter 3 Gondola

In this dazzling adaptation of Jules Verne's novel, a Victorian Englishman (David Niven) wagers that by traveling by steamships and railroads he can circumvent the world in 80 days. The film, also starring Shirley MacLaine, Cantinflas, and a host of stars in cameo appearances, won an Oscar for best picture of 1956.


Aug. 11 "October Sky" (1999, 111 minutes, rated PG)
Featured artifact: Goddard Rockets

This film details the true story of Homer Hickham. Rather than follow in the footsteps of his coal miner father, Hickham was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to begin creating rockets, a pursuit that lead to a distinguished career at NASA. Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern star.

 

 


Aug. 18 "The Right Stuff" (1983, 193 minutes, rated PG)
Featured artifact: Mercury "Friendship 7" spacecraft

This screen adaptation of Tom Wolfe's bestseller, starring Sam Shepard. Scott Glen, Ed Harris and Dennis Quaid, is an offbeat and exhilarating look at the birth of America's space program. Can you spot the real Chuck Yeager in his cameo role?


Aug. 25 "Apollo 13" (1995, 193 minutes, rated PG)
Featured artifact: Apollo 11 Command Module "Columbia"

Based on astronaut Jim Lovell's book, Lost Moon, the film details the true story of the harrowing moon-bound mission and the skill and dedication of the men and women who engineered the Apollo 13 spacecraft's safe return to Earth.

 

DINNER MENUS
Dinners include a fountain drink and an ice cream novelty or fresh fruit.


July 28 and Aug. 25 Perfect Picnic
Fried or Barbecued Chicken
Crispy Corn Dog
Potato Salad
Corn on the Cob with Melted Butter
Snappy Green Coleslaw


Aug. 4 South of the Border
Build Your Own Tacos with Tex-Mex Beef, Spicy Grilled Chicken,
Monterrey Jack Cheese, Tomato Salsa, Sliced Jalapeños, Black Olives, and Sour Cream
Black Bean Relish with Crisp Shredded Lettuce and Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Spanish Rice and Corn

Aug. 11 Heartland Fare
Bottomless Caesar Salad and Baked Potato Bar
Toppings include: Herbed Chicken Strips, Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream,
Chopped Bacon, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Cheese and Green Onions
Soup Bar Features Soup of the Day or Spicy Bean Chili


Aug. 18 Italian Trattoria
Fresh Breads and Butter
Baked Three-Cheese Beef Lasagna with Marinara Sauce
Pasta Bar with Your Choice of Three Sauces of the Day
Imported Parmesan Cheese
Garden Fresh Tossed Salad