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.
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.
Roller Derby World Cup 2011
Smithsonian Snapshot

Rolling with the Women of Roller Derby

The fun and rough-and-tumble sport of roller derby.
3D spacesuit scan.
Smithsonian 3D

Neil Armstrong's Space Suit

Explore and download hi-resolution 3D models of Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, helmet, and gloves.
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.
poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

Trains at Smithsonian Station

Pack your bags and take a trip on the many rails throughout our collections. 
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.
Big Jazz Painting
Smithsonian Spotlight

Jazzed About Art

Seeing sound through art in our collections.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
Endless Summer Poster with neon pink and orange graphic of surfer facing a setting sun.
Smithsonian Spotlight

A Day at the Beach

A trip to the shore—without the sand in your shoes.
Boombox, used by Fab 5 Freddy
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hip-Hop and Rap

Learn about the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap and explore our related collections from across the Smithsonian.
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.
native man in headdress on apple as
National Museum of the American Indian

Americans

Explore the online companion to the bold exhibition revealing the ways American Indian images, names, and stories are hidden in plain sight.