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.
Miles Davis' jacket
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
Babe Ruth and other Red Sox pitchers
Smithsonian Spotlight

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections.
illustration of autumn leaf
Smithsonian Spotlight

Autumn Views

Celebrating the beauty of the changing season with art and objects in the collections.
astronaut lunch box and thermos with moonlanding pictured.
Smithsonian Spotlight

1969: A Year in the Collections

Take one small step back to 1969 through the Smithsonian's collections.
laughing skull
Smithsonian Spotlight

Things That Scare Us

Take a tour through our favorite spooky collection items—if you dare.
vampire bat
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Art and Science of Bats

Shy, nocturnal creatures, bats have been both feared and revered. The Smithsonian is home to the world's largest collection of bat specimens.
iPod
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Apple iPod

Apple introduces the iPod digital music player on October 23, 2001. 
steam bike in front of Castle Building
Archival Resources

It’s American Archives Month

Celebrate by exploring our photographs, drawings, scrapbooks, journals, manuscripts, and more.
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.
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.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

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