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.

red, white, and blue poster of Martin Luther King
Smithsonian Spotlight

1968: A Year in the Collections

A look back at 1968, a tumultuous, pivotal year marked by political and cultural change.
Babe Ruth and other Red Sox pitchers
Smithsonian Spotlight

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections.
Miles Davis' jacket
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
Bronx Storefront
Smithsonian Spotlight

Latino Art and Artists

Explore Smithsonian collections reflecting the rich diversity of Latino art and expression.
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.
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.
dog figurine
Smithsonian Spotlight

Dog: Museum's Best Friend

Sit, stay, and explore dogs from across our collections.
steam bike in front of Castle Building
Archival Resources

It’s American Archives Month

Celebrate by exploring our photographs, drawings, scrapbooks, journals, manuscripts, and more.
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.
“Forget-Me-Not Waltzes” Sheet Music
National Museum of American History

Oscar Wilde

Born on this day in 1854, Wilde went on a poplular American speaking tour in 1882 that inspired songs about him during his time in the limelight.
Ai Weiwei with Skorton
Second Opinion

Ai Weiwei on Why Authoritarian Regimes Censor Art

The Chinese artist speaks with Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton on how art provides us with perspective on our own humanity.
1918 soldier's identity card
Smithsonian Spotlight

1918: A Year in the Collections

The year saw the end of the Great War along with new technologies put to use at home and on the battlefield.