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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.

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Learn about visiting our world-class museums and zoo.

Winter skating
Smithsonian Spotlight

Winter Wonderland

You don’t have to bundle up to enjoy these wintry works of art in our collections.
Heart Motif, Textile Design
Smithsonian Spotlight

We Heart Art

From amulets to valentines, the heart motif in art and design.
Rosa Parks being fingerprinted
National Portrait Gallery

Civil Rights Icon Rosa Parks

On February 22, 1956, Parks was taken into custody on charges of violating an Alabama law prohibiting boycotts. This photo appeared on the front page of the New York Times the next day.
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.
Happy New Year stamp for the Year of the Pig
Smithsonian Spotlight

Happy Year of the Pig!

In celebration of the Year of the Earth Pig in the Chinese zodiac, discover pigs in the collections. 
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.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
Martin Luther King Jr. surrounded by supporters
Smithsonian Spotlight

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Smithsonian celebrates an American civil rights icon with a look through the collections.
vaccine vials
National Museum of American History

Chasing Influenza

Unlike other infectious diseases, where a single dose or series of doses confers long-term protection, flu vaccination is an annual affair.
Bronx Storefront
Smithsonian Spotlight

Latino Art and Artists

Explore Smithsonian collections reflecting the rich diversity of Latino art and expression.
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.