Encyclopedia Smithsonian

See more than 100 historic and cultural touchstones of American history from the museum’s vast holdings.

To celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, the museum hosts 10 rare and important documents from the Springfield library and museum.

This exhibition traces NASA's manned space program from 1961 to 1972.

See 100 original drawings and artworks that were used to create postage stamps, including entries for the famous Elvis stamp design competition.

Dedicated to young audiences, this exhibition explores how African artists create striking works of art using images from an array of domestic and untamed animals.

Asia Trail is home to the following Asian species: sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, giant pandas, and Japanese giant salamander.

This gallery provides an overview of mail service in America from colonial times through the 19th century, stressing the importance of written communication in the young nation.

The National Zoo is home to hundreds of birds from all over the world.

On view are 20 portraits from an exhibition, which toured the U.S. from 1944 through 1954, entitled Portraits of Outstanding Americans of Negro Origin.

Examine iconic works and major pieces never before seen in the United States by Brian Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations/Swiss/Canadian), widely regarded as the foremost Native artist of his generation.

This exhibition shows how butterflies have evolved, adapted, and diversified with their plant partners over millions of years.

Stroll along the walkways in the Butterfly Habitat Garden to see four habitats of native plants that attract a variety of colorful butterflies spring through fall. 

Cheetahs can be seen engaged in natural behaviors in a grassland setting similar to their natural savanna habitat.

This exhibition introduces the study of soil science and demonstrates the vital role soil plays in sustaining human welfare, assuring future agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.

All of the old favorites are on view in the exhibition hall -- Diplodocus, T. rex, and Triceratops -- and more.

Learn about Egyptian burial ritual and cosmology and what they reveal about life in ancient Egypt.

This exhibition provides a look at life from an ant's point of view through large-format photographs of ants going about their daily business, a cast of an underground ant city, and a live ant colony.

This exhibition highlights the role of the first lady and features in two galleries a total of 24 first ladies' gowns and more than 100 other objects, including portraits, White House china, and personal possessions from the Smithsonian's collection.