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.

Outdoor living
Smithsonian Insider

Inventing the American Backyard

Before you hit the summer barbecue circuit, here are five facts about the American backyard to ponder with your patio pals.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Smithsonian Superheroes

The hero's journey is available to us all, but superheroes with their special powers restore hope that good guys and gals can indeed finish first.
Shimomura Crossing the Delaware
Smithsonian Celebration

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Join the Smithsonian in May to celebrate our nation's rich cultural heritage.
orchid
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.
cleaning textile
Smithsonian Insider

Protecting Puerto Rico’s Heritage

Following Hurricane Maria, a team from the Smithsonian is working with local citizens to save and protect their cultural heritage for the future.
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.
horse weathervane
Smithsonian Spotlight

Who Doesn't Want a Pony?

Celebrating horses in art, history, science, and culture through our collections and research.
woman’s bicycle embellished with jewels
Smithsonian Spotlight

Bicycles. Ride On

May is National Bike Month. Tour bicycle-related collection items and learn about the bicycle's impact on American culture.
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.
Broadcast News cover
Smithsonian Spotlight

All That’s Old Is News Again

Explore news-related collection items from across the Smithsonian.
forest path
Second Opinion

Do You Have Reason to Be Optimistic about the Earth’s Future?

Join some of the world's leading thinkers in a spirited discussion about our ever changing planet.
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.