MUSEUM EVENTS: March 1 - 14, 2010

Now Through March 31
Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit
National Geographic Museum
Soldiers. Charioteers. Archers. Musicians. Generals. Acrobats. Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures were buried in massive underground pits to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, into the afterlife. Their discovery outside the city of Xi'an in 1974 is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Now, you can stand face-to-face with these terra cotta warriors. In November 2009, National Geographic Museum will host Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, an exhibition featuring treasures from the tomb complex including 15 life-size figures, weapons, armor, coins, and more. Don't miss this chance to see the largest collection of significant artifacts from China ever to travel to the United States.
Cost: Adults $12; Seniors/Students/Military/Members $10; Children (2-12) $6.  Visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/terracottawarriors/ for more information.

Now Through April 11
Orchids: A Cultural Odyssey
United States Botanic Gardens
Go on a journey with the U.S. Botanic Garden as we explore the ways orchids have permeated the lives of people around the world. Discover orchids in arts, literature, exploration, jewelry, trade, and business. Travel the world within our Conservatory and discover how influential and magnificent orchids have been in our lives! As in previous years, the exhibit is a collaborative effort involving the collections of the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian Institution Horticultural Services Division.  Free. 
http://www.usbg.gov/education/events/Orchids-A-Cultural-Odyssey.cfm

Now Through May 16
A Dream...but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Turkey has long been considered a nation with one foot in the East and the other in the West, whose art and design production has permeated and influenced European nations over the past four centuries. In the 21st century, Turkey’s contemporary artists ensconce themselves mentally in global art production, notwithstanding the physical location of their studios. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is pleased to present some of the leading women artists who claim Turkey as their homeland, but whose video art, photography, and painting declare their identity. A Dream…but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey features work by eleven internationally-established artists who pose the elemental question “why do so many women seek to conform and adhere to standards set by others, and continue to be judged by their roles as spouse, mother, and keeper of the house?”
http://www.nmwa.org/exhibition/detail.asp?exhibitid=200