The Smithsonian goes Hollywood

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It is the season for sequels! This e-mail is the sequel to the one you inadvertently received on Monday, regarding the details for the filming of "Night at the Museum II" at the Smithsonian next week.

Two years ago, "Night at the Museum" was a huge hit for 20th Century Fox. Now the sequel to that movie, "Night at the Museum II: Escape from the Smithsonian," starring Ben Stiller, is about to start shooting at the Smithsonian.

Set primarily in Washington D.C., the movie will include scenes at the Castle and, in particular, the National Air and Space Museum. Filming activity--setting up, shooting, breaking down--begins on Friday, May 16, and concludes on Wednesday, May 21.

While you may have seen this movie mentioned in the news media, the agreement with 20th Century Fox was just recently signed and the arrangements made official.

This is the first time in its 162-year history that the Smithsonian has allowed its name to be used in the title of a movie produced for theatrical distribution. Why now? The popularity of the first movie convinced us that this is an innovative way to capture the imagination and curiosity of a young audience. The film positively portrays museums and historical artifacts and will shine the bright lights of Hollywood on the Institution, focus attention on our collection and bring to life heroes such as Amelia Earhart and the Wright Brothers.

The cast of "Night at the Museum II: Escape from the Smithsonian" includes some of the actors from the first movie--Stiller, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke--and additional characters played by Amy Adams and Hank Azaria and others.

The original film, shot at the Museum of Natural History in New York, resulted in increased attendance and interest in the museum's collections. We anticipate a similar reaction following the release of this sequel in May 2009.

While I know many of you have talents that exceed your daily duties and responsibilities here at the Institution, the film company has told us it does not need extras while it is shooting on our campus. Instead, bring your talents to the staff picnic on July 1 and share them with your colleagues!

I want to thank the staff who have worked tirelessly on the contract negotiations and making arrangements for the filming. And I also thank those of you who will be escorting the crews, protecting the collection and those who will be somewhat displaced for a few hours while scenes are shot near your work areas.

Sincerely,

Richard Kurin
Acting Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture