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 and explore and learn online.

Visit

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, are open to the public. Free, timed-entry passes are required for entry. All other Smithsonian museums remain temporarily closed.

Even when we are closed, you can visit us from home. Explore our digital resources including online events, exhibitions, and podcasts, and discover how Smithsonian cares.

Select a topic to discover featured collections and stories, OR search millions of digital records.
People walking in prayer.
Anacostia Community Museum

Moments of Resilience

Share your stories about communities supporting each other on a day-to-day basis in challenging times.
ruby slippers
Smithsonian Spotlight

Fabulous Footwear

Along with the Ruby Slippers, the Smithsonian has some fabulous footwear in the collections.
John Muir stamp art
National Postal Museum

Trailblazing: 100 Years of Our National Parks

Surprising stories about the mail and our national parks.
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.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
The Chambers Brothers poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Art of Rock and Roll

A selection of rock and pop inspired art from concert posters and album covers to objects d'art.
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.
Ali with his children on his lap.
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service

Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth.

Profiles revolutionary men who have altered the history and culture of this country.
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.
Census jug
Smithsonian Spotlight

Be Counted

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau counts all the people residing in the U.S. Explore census-related materials in Smithsonian collections.
Masters of Tradition map of U.S.
Smithsonian Folkways

Masters of Tradition: A Cultural Journey Across America

Discover the broad array of musical styles and cultural stories that enliven our nation. 
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.