historic rendering of SI Castle

Welcome

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Join us on a voyage of discovery in person or online.

Smithsonian Solar Eclipse
Smithsonian

2017 Solar Eclipse

Get ready for the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Don't miss a moment with the Smithsonian Solar Eclipse app and the National Air and Space Museum.
tardigrade
Smithsonian Insider

What Species Will Be Earth’s Last Survivors?

Scientists determine the world’s most indestructible species will survive until the Sun dies.
painting of kids
Smithsonian Spotlight

Summer Staycation

Gardening, cooking, swimming, resting, making art or looking at it—appreciating the days of summer without traveling far. 
music poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

1967: A Year in the Collections

Now a half-century ago, a look back at 1967 from the "Summer of Love" to the "Long Hot Summer" to the escalating war in Vietnam.
fly
Smithsonian Insider

Innovative Use of Fly Belly Gunk

The next time you swat a fly ponder this: inside its belly is the DNA of whatever it ate before landing on your picnic dinner.
Miss Liberty Celebration
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Statue of Liberty: Symbol for a Nation

Lady Liberty in our collections and across America.
scarlet tanager
Smithsonian Insider

A Cup of Joe That’s Good for the Birds

Learn about Bird Friendly coffee, an initiative spearheaded by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
Confiscated illegal ivory products
Smithsonian Insider

New Technique Helps ID Real and Fake Ivory

At $1,500 per pound, ivory ranks fourth in black-market traded items, behind illegal drugs, weapons, and humans.
Chuck Berry’s Cadillac
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

Any old way you choose it, for many, it's got to be rock and roll music. 
Woman and Cat by Window
Smithsonian Spotlight

Feline Finds

Cats as seen through the Smithsonian's collections.
dog figurine
Smithsonian Spotlight

Dog: Museum's Best Friend

Sit, stay, and explore dogs from across our collections.
Blue Beach
Smithsonian Spotlight

A Day at the Beach

Take a trip to the shore through the Smithsonian's collections.

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TravelTravel

Travel the world and learn with Smithsonian Journeys. Request a free catalog today.

MagazineSmithsonian Magazine

Smithsonian magazine places a Smithsonian lens on the world.

ChannelSmithsonian Channel

Original programs exploring science, nature, history, and pop culture.