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Sidedoor: A podcast from the Smithsonian

ep. 1 | the curse of the hope diamond
Second Opinion

State of the Arts

A national dialogue about the role art plays in society today.
Renwick Gallery

No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man

Immersive room-sized installations transport visitors to the gathering’s famed “Playa.”
Smithsonian Global

Fishing for a Brighter Future

Learn how Smithsonian scientists are working with fisheries in Myanmar—and across the globe—to protect marine environments.
National Museum of African American History and Culture

A People’s Journey: A Nation’s Story

Telling the American story through the lens of African American history and culture in a museum for all Americans.
Programs as diverse as our planet

Smithsonian Global: 7 continents. 140 + countries

Discover how our people and programs are making a difference across the world.

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.

red, white, and blue poster of Martin Luther King

Smithsonian Spotlight

1968: A Year in the Collections

A look back at 1968, a tumultuous, pivotal year marked by political and cultural change.

National Museum of Natural History

Bizarre and Beautiful Coral Reef Animals

Explore some of the oddest and most amazing creatures to see, from parrotfish to tiny pygmy sea horses.

political cartoon with animals representing world powers

Smithsonian Insider

The American Revolution's Global Story

If you think the American Revolution was an isolated conflict between Great Britain and the American colonies, you know only part of the story.

Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

The Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection has over 8,000 specimens. Explore a selection from the collection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.

iron frying pan with indentations for eggs

Smithsonian Insider

A Patently Better Egg

In the late 19th century, an eggs-ellent idea came to Elizabeth L. Packard: to build a better frying pan.

Smithsonian Insider

How Can You Touch the Sun without Melting?

Smithsonian scientists have joined NASA and others to do something incredible: launch a solar probe and have it enter the sun’s atmosphere without melting.

Smithsonian Insider

The Zoo Guide to Fine Dining

Forget the reservations, white tablecloth, mother-of-pearl caviar spoons and the like. There is a lot to learn about the art of fine dining—zoo style.