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.

Miles Davis' jacket
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
reindeer in red car
Smithsonian Spotlight

Holiday Cards

Open up these seasonal greetings from across the institution. More than a century of holiday cards in the Smithsonian collections. 
orchid
Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 specimens. Explore a selection from the collection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.
Bronx Storefront
Smithsonian Spotlight

Latino Art and Artists

Explore Smithsonian collections reflecting the rich diversity of Latino art and expression.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee).
Winter skating
Smithsonian Spotlight

Winter Wonderland

You don’t have to bundle up to enjoy these wintry works of art in our collections.
Frank Sinatra
National Museum of American History

Frank Sinatra

Born on this day in 1915, Frank Sinatra operated at the intersection of pop and jazz.
poinsettia engraving
Smithsonian Gardens

Poinsettias

Horticulturalist Monty Holmes gives an inside look at the history, culture, and science of poinsettias.
red, white, and blue poster of Martin Luther King
Smithsonian Spotlight

1968: A Year in the Collections

A look back at 1968, a tumultuous year marked by political and cultural change.
German Christmas Songs
Smithsonian Folkways

Holiday Music Map

This holiday music sampler from the Smithsonian Folkways collection includes 56 songs from 24 nations on an interactive map.
1918 soldier's identity card
Smithsonian Spotlight

1918: A Year in the Collections

The year saw the end of the Great War along with new technologies put to use at home and on the battlefield. 
Chuck Berry’s Cadillac
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

Any old way you choose it, for many, it's got to be rock and roll music.