Welcome

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. We are a community of learning and the opener of doors. Join us on a voyage of discovery in person or learn and explore online.

Visit

Learn about visiting our world-class museums and zoo.

Select a topic to discover featured collections and stories, OR search millions of digital records.
Patricia Cowings
Smithsonian Snapshot

In Space, No One Can Hear You Say “Ahhh”

Patricia Cowings is a scientist astronaut who helps astronauts go to space.
Barbara Dane with the Chambers Brothers
Smithsonian Folkways

Women's Liberation

Enjoy an online playlist of songs expressing the struggle for women's equality.
Octavia Butler Typewriter
Smithsonian Snapshot

Keys to the Future

Octavia Butler was a master storyteller and considered the godmother of Afrofuturism.
Louise Nevelson photograph
Smithsonian Spotlight

American Women Artists

Discover women artists and their works in the collections.
antique fire hat
Smithsonian Spotlight

Irish American History and Heritage

For Irish American History Month, explore our related collection images, videos, and music.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
National Portrait Gallery

Ida B. Wells

The daughter of former slaves, journalist and anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells vigorously investigated and exposed racism.
shark
National Museum of Natural History

Ocean Portal: All About Sharks

Learn about these incredible animals—and the ecosystems in which they play a role.
Bessie on airplane
National Air and Space Museum

Bessie Coleman, First African American Licensed Pilot

Bessie Coleman received the first pilot’s license issued to an African American, male or female, from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
To Ask Freedom for Women is not a Crime
Smithsonian Spotlight

Votes for Women

A look at the fight to get the right to vote through the Smithsonian's collections.
3 bears caught on camera
Smithsonian Collaboration

eMammal: See Wildlife, Do Science

Place “camera traps” in your community to assist researchers in answering questions about mammal distribution and abundance.
Judy Garland (with Mickey Rooney)
Smithsonian Spotlight

Let's Go to the Movies

Explore images and objects related to the history of motion pictures in America.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.