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 from Home

While we remain closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID‑19, you can still visit us from home.

Explore our digital resources including online events, exhibitions, podcasts, and collections, and discover how Smithsonian cares.

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

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue

The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner—the American flag in Smithsonian collections.
illustration of diverse group of people.
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Talking About Race

Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. This online portal provides tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.
Ragnar Kjartaansson and Christine Sun Kim
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Artist Diaries

This living video archive captures the responses of contemporary international artists to the pandemic in their own voices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.