Segway Inc. Teams Up With the Smithsonian Institution to Launch 'Smithsonian Tours By Segway'
Today, Segway® Inc. together with the Smithsonian Institution announced that Smithsonian Tours by Segway, which is the only PT tour that departs from the National Mall beginning at the National Museum of American History, is now open.
“With nineteen museums, nine research centers and over 137 million objects as well as lovely grounds and gardens, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex. It offers an amazing breadth of fascinating experiences and there truly is something to excite everyone,” said Carol LeBlanc, VP of Smithsonian Enterprises. “Smithsonian Tours by Segway will provide visitors with an exciting overview of the National Mall and a unique way to learn more about our national treasures.”
“We are honored to be working with the Smithsonian to bring tourists a fun way to experience the Segway PT while also exploring DC’s rich history and educational stories as only the Smithsonian could tell them,” said Mary Savage, Chief Operating Officer, Segway Inc. “This program is sure to create a lasting memory as we are combining a scenic excursion with outstanding content on a machine that’s fun to ride – tourists as well as local residents will enjoy the tour of a lifetime!”
A Scenic Tour Supported by Outstanding Content
The tour begins with a safety video and Segway PT product orientation. Once riders are comfortable, the tour commences and an inspiring, educational and fun experience begins. Gliders will be provided a radio and earpiece. The tour guide will lead the group and offer insightful commentary on the architecture, art, culture and history related to the points of interest, landmarks and key Smithsonian museum exhibits along the route – all prepared in consultation with Smithsonian staff.
During the tour, riders will glide by and explore Smithsonian museums and gardens including the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Castle, Arts and Industries Building, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of African Art, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Enid A. Haupt Garden, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and Mary Ripley Garden.
They will also see monuments and other sights including the National Gallery of Art, U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, White House and World War II Memorial.
About Smithsonian Tours by Segway
Smithsonian Tours by Segway is located at the Mall entrance of the National Museum of American History on Madison Drive between 12th and 14th Streets N.W. The location is open for tours daily beginning at 9a.m., 12:30p.m. and 4p.m. Tickets are $79 per person and tours are available in languages including English, Dutch, French, Italian and Spanish. Riders must be 16 years of age or older and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Safety is our top priority – therefore a helmet must be worn for the entire duration of the tour. For more information, please call (202)384-8516, email SmithsonianTours@Segway.com or visit our website at: www.Segway.com/SmithsonianTours.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees and 6,500 volunteers. In 2011, there were approximately 28 million visits to the Smithsonian, with 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. There are 137 million objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian.
About Segway
Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., is the world’s leading provider of personal electric transportation. Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Personal Transporters (PT) for indoor, sidewalk, crossterrain and patrol use. All deliver energy efficiency equivalent to 450 miles per gallon. The company’s comprehensive line of Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) is based on PT technology that has been adapted to provide versatile, durable mobility solutions to researchers, academia and robotic integrators.
Segway Inc. has a worldwide network of more than 250 distributors, dealers and experience centers in 80 countries across the globe, offering product and unique touring experiences. For more information about Segway, to find a distributor/dealer or book a tour, please visit www.segway.com. Media may visit www.segway.com/news for more information. Media inquiries should be sent to media@segway.com.
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