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Plan Your Visit
Discover the Smithsonian's free Washington, D.C.–area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Find out what's on and join us for vibrant events and exhibitions that illuminate art, science, history, technology, and culture.
What interests you?
The Smithsonian has something for everyone from art to zoology.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Explore America
Take an American road trip through our collections to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
A Call To Support a Newly Formed Nation
Using this candle stand, President George Washington worked into the night writing his farewell address. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
Thomas Jefferson's Desk
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on this portable desk. -
Smithsonian Story
Feeding Our National Zoo Animals
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the National Zoo feeds over 300 species of animals a day. -
Smithsonian Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
Smithsonian Story
Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save from Extinction
Conservation efforts help bring endangered species back from the brink. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
America's National Parks: Stewardship and Wonder
Explore a selection of stunning landscape paintings, photographs, and postage stamps that celebrate America's natural wonders. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Music
American music flourishes within a wide variety of traditions drawn from our multicultural heritage. -
Around the Smithsonian
Natural History
Scientists from across the Smithsonian research the natural history of Earth and how it has changed and adapted over time. -
Smithsonian Story
Star Trek in the Smithsonian’s Collections
Star Trek celebrates 60 years since its NBC debut on September 8, 1966. -
National Portrait Gallery
B.B. King
Long acknowledged as the “King of the Blues,” guitarist B.B. King was born Sept. 16, 1925. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Fabulous Footwear
Along with the Ruby Slippers, the Smithsonian has some fabulous footwear in the collections.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to hear stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
American Aspirations: A Nation in Pursuit
If you had to tell the story of the United States through just a handful of things, where would you begin? -
Sidedoor Podcast
The Secret of Lincoln's Watch
Sidedoor digs into the family story of a secret message etched inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch. -
Sidedoor Podcast
The Curse of the Hope Diamond
We track the lore of this notorious gem through the centuries. -
Sidedoor Podcast
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.
Membership
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