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.
Martin Luther King Jr. surrounded by supporters
Smithsonian Spotlight

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Smithsonian celebrates an American civil rights icon with a look through the collections.
Year of the Rat postage stamp.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Happy Year of the Rat!

In celebration of the Year of the Metal Rat in the Chinese zodiac, discover rat-related items in our collections. 
calendar with plastic tabs
Smithsonian Spotlight

Years Gone By

Marking the passage of days with varied types of calendars throughout history.
Winter skating
Smithsonian Spotlight

Winter Wonderland

You don’t have to bundle up to enjoy these wintry works of art in our collections.
snowboard
Smithsonian Spotlight

Winter Sports

A peek at winter sports in the collections.
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.
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.
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.
vaccine vials
National Museum of American History

Chasing Influenza

Unlike other infectious diseases, where a single dose or series of doses confers long-term protection, flu vaccination is an annual affair.
Wilson football
Smithsonian Spotlight

On the Gridiron

Explore football-related items in our collections dating from the late 1880s to the present.
Judy Garland (with Mickey Rooney)
Smithsonian Spotlight

Let's Go to the Movies

Explore images and objects related to the history of motion pictures in America.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.