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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.

whirlygig
Smithsonian Spotlight

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue

The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner—the American flag in Smithsonian 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.
Judy Garland
Smithsonian Spotlight

Judy Garland: An American Icon

Celebrating singer and actress Judy Garland (June 10, 1922–June 22, 1969), entertainer extraordinaire.
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.
parachute wedding dress
Smithsonian Spotlight

Wedding Bells

June is wedding season. A sampling of wedding-related artwork, artifacts, and stories from across our museums.
Gladys Bentley
Sidedoor Podcast

Singing the Gender-Bending Blues

Gladys Bentley, a blues singing trailblazer, was unapologetically herself.
poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

Trains at Smithsonian Station

Pack your bags and take a trip on the many rails throughout our 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.
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.
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.