Mars exhibit
Journey to Mars at the National Geographic Museum in Washington. Its newest exhibit, Mars 2K4, opens today and runs through April 25 in Explorers Hall.
The exhibit explores the history of Mars from a cultural and scientific perspective, including a gallery of old and new Mars images and a copy of the famous radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds that caused panic among listeners who believed it to be a legitimate newscast.
An interactive simulation of recent Mars missions and a full-scale model of the Mars Rover that is exploring the planet's surface are part of the exhibit. The highlight of the exhibit will be a live still-image and video feed from the Mars Rover, courtesy of NASA.
The National Geographic Museum, Explorers Hall, is at the National Geographic Society's headquarters at 17th and M streets N.W., Washington. Admission is free. Call 202-857-7588 for more information.
Alvin Ailey performance
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater takes the stage at Washington's Kennedy Center from Tuesday through Feb. 1.
Founded by African-American choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey in 1958, the AAADT is a widely recognized modern dance group whose works combine the American modern dance heritage with elements of African-American culture.
The AAADT 2004 Kennedy Center engagement will be the Washington debut of several new works, new interprations of company favorites and classic performances made famous by Ailey.
The Kennedy Center Opera House is at 2700 F St. N.W., Washington. Visit www.alvinailey.org for more information or call the Kennedy Center at 202-467-4600 to order tickets.
Valentine exhibit
Make this Valentine's one to remember and take that special someone to the Antique Valentine Exhibit at the Surratt House Museum in Clinton. The exhibit, on display until Feb. 23, has more than 100 antique cards and Valentine's Day memorabilia dating to the 1840s, including a collection of reproduction box and mechanical valentines created by a Franciscan brother throughout the '60s and '70s. The gift shop is stocked with books, reproduction valentine cards and holiday gift selections.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children ages 5-18. The Historic Surratt House Museum is open Thursdays-Sundays at 9118 Brandywine Road in Clinton. For more information, call 301-868-1121.