Tired of being cooped up in the house as winter rolls along? Now’s the best time to visit several of the area museums we’re fortunate to have here in DC. The Smithsonian American Art Museum has some great events lined up for winter visitors. All events are at the SAAM, located in Penn Quarter adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery.

Rockman Film Series: Silent Running
Feb. 3, 6 p.m.
The second of three classic but rarely screened sci-fi films shown in conjunction with “Alexis Rockman: A Fable for Tomorrow,” Silent Running tells the story of a scientist trapped on Saturn with two robots as his only companions after a mission to protect the last Earthly botanical specimens goes awry. Starring Bruce Dern, directed by Douglas Trumbull.

Body and Soul with the Thad Wilson Orchestra
Feb. 5, 3 p.m.
Oscar Micheaux’s 1925 silent film, accompanied live by the Thad Wilson Orchestra. Body and Soul features the legendary Paul Robeson in his screen debut, playing an escaped prisoner pretending to be a minister in a small Georgia Town. Limited seating available; free tickets are required and available in the museum’s G Street Lobby beginning at 2:30 p.m. Presented in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.

Art and Science Lecture Series: J.D. Talasek
Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
J.D. Talasek, director of cultural programs at the National Academy of Sciences, continues a lecture series that places the science of climate change within a cultural context.

Gallery Talk, “Close to Home”
Feb. 10, 6 p.m.
A guided tour of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s newest collection installation, “Close to Home: Photographers and Their Families” by National Portrait Gallery curator Frank Goodyear.

21st Century Consort: “Flora and Fauna II”
Feb. 12, Concert 5 p.m., Pre-concert Lecture 4 p.m.
The Consort performs fantastic, ferocious music to resonate with Alexis Rockman: A Fable for Tomorrow. Works will include Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” Jordan Kuspa’s “Wild and Ferocious Plants” and Jacob Druckman’s “Lamia.” Reception follows. Ticket purchase ($20) required: residentassociates.org or (202) 633-3030.

American Craft masterpieces
Feb. 16, Noon
Renwick Gallery Deputy for Operations Fern Bleckner discusses Viola Frey’s “Lady in Blue and Yellow Dress.” This program takes place at the museum’s Renwick Gallery, located on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street, NW.

Presidential Family Fun Day
Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate our nation’s presidents with a day full of craft activities performances and scavenger hunts. Presented in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.

Art and Science Lecture Series: Tom Lovejoy
Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Tom Lovejoy, biodiversity chair at The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment, continues a lecture series that places the science of climate change within a cultural context.

Rockman Film Series: The Incredible Shrinking Man
Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
The final of three classic but rarely screened sci-fi films shown in conjunction with “Alexis Rockman: A Fable for Tomorrow,” The Incredible Shrinking Man tells the story of Robert Carey, a man who gradually begins to shrink after being caught in a mysterious mist. Starring Grant Williams and April Kent; directed by Jack Arnold.

PHEON
Feb. 27, 2:30 – 6 p.m.
Are you a Knave or a Stave? Do you have what it takes to win control of a secret world? Test your ingenuity by exploring the collection, making objects, and texting your way around the museum in this multimedia scavenger hunt. You will need a cell phone with text messaging enabled, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure. Discover more of the story at Pheon.org.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is located at 8th and F Streets, N.W. and is accessible by Metro via the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines at Gallery Place/Chinatown.