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Visit the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum. Photo by Chip Clark/Smithsonian Institution

Monday, October 3 Butterfly Pavilion

Discover a tropical oasis in the middle of the Mall. Located next to the “Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution” exhibit, the Butterfly Pavilion is home to hundreds of rare butterflies and exotic plants from all over the world. Tickets are required, and can be purchased in person at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office or online. $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors (60+), $5 for children (2 to 12), and $5 for members. Natural History Museum, 2nd Floor West, open 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

Tuesday, October 4 Quiltmaking Demonstration

Come learn quilt making techniques from members of the Annapolis Quilt Guild. Volunteers will demonstrate piecing and quilting, as well as display and explain quilter’s tools from the Museum’s Textile Collection. Through November 2011, the demonstrations will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Free. American History Museum, 2nd Floor West, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, October 5 America in Black and White

The next Smithsonian museum to open on the Mall will be the African American History and Culture Museum, scheduled to be completed in 2015. Join museum director Lonnie Bunch and noted scholars for a panel discussion on how the museum will address issues of race. For background, visit the “RACE: Are We So Different?” exhibition first to learn about the topic of race from biological, cultural and historical perspectives. Free. Natural History Museum, Baird Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Thursday, October 6 Talking Drums of West Africa

In West Africa, drums are a traditional means of communication as well as entertainment. In this family-friendly session with artist, performer and educator Kofi Dennis, learn how to make a drum ‘talk’ as part of an interactive drum circle. Afterward, visit the “Central Nigeria Unmasked” exhibition to see a remarkable collection of art from the area and participate in a gallery hunt for a mystery object. Tickets are required, and can be purchased online. $8 for adults, $5 for members, $6 for child non-members, and $3 for children under 2.  African Art Museum, 2nd Floor Lecture Hall, event repeats at 10:15, 11:15, and 12:15, and on October 7.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Online Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.