Presidential Inauguration Balls at the Smithsonian

Smithsonian Institution Archives

The Smithsonian Institution Castle
Smithsonian Institution Archives

The 21st Century has seen a shift in Inaugural Events held at the Smithsonian. In 2001 and 2005 President George W. Bush did not hold an official Inaugural Ball at any of the Smithsonian Institution buildings. Instead, state societies used the museums for unofficial Inaugural Balls, such as the Pennsylvania State Society Gala at the National Museum of Natural History in 2001.

As we approach Inauguration weekend 2009, the Smithsonian has been asked to host numerous unofficial balls. Additionally, Smithsonian museums, performers and researchers are preparing Inaugural exhibits and events for the millions of visitors expected for the Inaugural. Below is a list of some of the unofficial Inaugural Balls that the Smithsonian will host from January 17-20, 2009.

We hope you have been interested in learning about Inaugural Balls at the Smithsonian Institution. Check back for updates and pictures from this year’s Inaugural Events.

Unofficial Inaugural Balls:

Lincoln 2.0 Ball American Art Museum 1/18/2009	California Democratic Party Inaugural Ball National Air and Space Museum 1/18/2009
Georgia State Society of Washington D.C. National Museum of Natural History 1/19/2009	Land of Enchanment Inaugural Ball (New Mexico State Society) National Museum of the American Indian 1/19/2009
Green Inaugural Ball National Portrait Gallery 1/19/2009	Inaugural Peace ball National Postal Museum 1/20/2009
Africa Aspire Inauguration Night African Art Museum 1/20/2009	Michigan Inaugural Ball National Museum of American History 1/20/2009 *This site lists only a few of the unofficial balls

Inaugural Events:

Click the SI buildings on the Map Below to Check out each Museum's site for a listing of their Inaugural Events

For More Inaugural Event Images Please Visit the Smithsonian on Flickr