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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.

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Learn about visiting our world-class museums and zoo.

Earth from Space
Smithsonian Spotlight

Earth Day: April 22

Buttons, posters, and more reflect nearly 50 years of Earth Day celebrations. 
Votes for women pendant
Smithsonian Spotlight

Votes for Women

A look at the fight to get the right to vote through the Smithsonian's collections.
orchid
Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 specimens. Explore a selection from the collection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.
Boombox, used by Fab 5 Freddy
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hip-Hop and Rap

Learn about the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap and explore our related collections from across the Smithsonian.
Big Jazz Painting
Smithsonian Spotlight

Jazzed About Art

Seeing sound through art in our collections.
Captain America 41 cent stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
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.
Moonwatch Volunteers, 1965
Smithsonian

National Volunteer Month

On-site, online, or behind the scenes, the Smithsonian has always relied on volunteers and citizen scientists.
poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

Trains at Smithsonian Station

Pack your bags and take a trip on the many rails throughout our collections. 
seed catalog
Smithsonian Libraries

Seed and Nursery Catalogs

With the arrival of spring, gardners are dreaming of the growing season to come. Collection highlights date from the 1830s through the 1930s.
native man in headdress on apple as
National Museum of the American Indian

Americans

Explore the online companion to the bold exhibition revealing the ways American Indian images, names, and stories are hidden in plain sight.
balloon
Smithsonian Spotlight

Up, Up, and Away

Let balloonamania carry you away with these picks from the collections.