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.
Star-Spangled Banner
National Museum of American History

Star-Spangled Banner

On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over the British. 
Woman collecting ginkgo leaf.
Smithsonian Collaboration

Citizen Science: Leaf Survey

Contribute to climate change research from your own backyard.
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.
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.
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.
Technics Turntable, used by Grandmaster Flash.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hip-Hop and Rap

This Technics brand turntable was used by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. Discover more hip-hop items in Smithsonian collections.
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.
poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

Trains at Smithsonian Station

Pack your bags and take a trip on the many rails throughout our collections. 
Powell Peralta skateboard
Smithsonian Spotlight

Skateboarding and Invention

The skateboard sparked a vibrant culture of art, music, and sport around the world.