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.
Sally Ride
National Air and Space Museum

Dr. Sally K. Ride

Born on this day in 1951, Sally Ride, astronaut and educator, became the first American woman in space in 1983.
Palm Beach
Smithsonian Spotlight

A Day at the Beach

Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer. Even if you are on a "staycation," you can enjoy our beach themed collections.
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.
Shimomura Crossing the Delaware
Smithsonian Celebration

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Join the Smithsonian in May to celebrate our nation's rich cultural heritage.
coconut letter
Smithsonian Insider

What Makes a Letter a Letter?

According to experts at a recent National Postal Museum forum, a “letter” can take many forms.
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.
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.
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.