Basic Elements

Sunburst

in color and black-and-white

The Sunburst may not be used without the appropriate lettering, "Smithsonian Institution," "Smithsonian" and/or a Museum or other Organization Name. The lettering may only be black or white.

The Sunburst for the Smithsonian Institution usually consists of two elements: the sun and the circular "sky" around the sun. Occasionally, the sun can be used without the circular "sky."

The Sunburst is shown here in the preferred colors of blue and yellow (see Color). This version is recommended for use on a white, or light, background.
Where economy dictates, the Sunburst may be a white sun in a blue circle. This version is recommended for use on a white, or light, background.
The Sunburst is shown here as a black-and-white version. When using the sun alone, without the sky, reversed out of a background, the sun may never be black. The sky is deleted, and the sun is white. If a light colored stock or background is used, the black-and-white version must be used instead of the white sun only (see Correct and Incorrect Use of Color With Logo). If the background is very dark, the white sun alone must be used.
When printing the black-and-white version of the logo on colored paper with black ink only, the sun will be the color of the paper on which it is printed.
If printing in one color ink only that is not black, the Sunburst may be printed in that color, with the sun being white (or the color of the paper underneath) and the circle, or "sky," being the printed color. [back to top]