Please review our hours and admission information to plan your visit. All Smithsonian museums and the zoo are closed on December 25. 

In the event of a government shutdown on October 1, Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Saturday, October 7, by using prior year funds. Please check back for updates.

Welcome

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. We are a community of learning and an opener of doors. Join us on a voyage of discovery. Explore our vast digital resources and learn online.

Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit at our Virtual Visitor Center. Get information on hours and locations and entry and visitor guidelines.

Find out what's on and learn about our events and exhibitions.

Select a topic to discover featured collections and stories, OR search millions of digital records.