The Smithsonian plays a starring role on the silver screen

When Ben Stiller reprises his role as museum guard Larry Daley later this month, you and your students can follow his adventures through the halls of the Smithsonian Institution. Due for release on May 22, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian offers audiences an exciting peek at the Smithsonian’s museums and collections, as many of the scenes were actually filmed on location.

In this entertaining sequel, Larry grabs his flashlight once again to investigate the evil pharaoh who has come to life to steal museum artifacts. As comedic hijinks ensue, some of the Smithsonian’s most famous historical objects take center stage. Featured artifacts include the 1903 Wright Flyer and Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega from the National Air and Space Museum. Meanwhile, the
pharaoh steals multiple icons from the National Museum of American History, including Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from the Wizard of Oz and Archie Bunker’s Chair from the All in the Family TV series.

Groups traveling to Washington, D.C., this summer can even view the pharaoh’s “Pile of Loot” in person. The film’s “Pile of Loot” prop will be on view at the Smithsonian Institution Castle Building throughout the summer.