Smithsonian Homepage
Plan Your Visit
View guides for the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC. Find out what's on and learn about our events and exhibitions.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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National Museum of American History
September 11: Stories of a Changed World
Explore stories and collections that reflect upon the events of September 11, 2001. -
National Museum of American History
"Star Trek" TV Series Launch
Star Trek first aired on NBC September 8, 1966. This lunch box was based on Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). -
Smithsonian Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
An Eloquent Argument
“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...”—Thomas Paine
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Smithsonian 3D
Neil Armstrong's Space Suit
Explore and download 3D models of Armstrong's spacesuit and other Apollo 11 objects. -
Smithsonian Commemoration
Our Shared Future: 250
Explore events and exhibitions honoring America’s 250th that will take place in 2025 and 2026 across the Smithsonian. -
Around the Smithsonian
Mysteries of the Universe
Starting with solar studies in 1890, the Smithsonian has been exploring questions spanning from our atmosphere to deep space. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
1925: A Year in the Collections
Look back one hundred years into the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Story
Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save from Extinction
Conservation efforts help bring endangered species back from the brink.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Revolution
Explore collections and stories related to the founding of the United States of America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Color Journey
Take a colorful tour through art and artifacts in the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Music
American music flourishes within a wide variety of traditions drawn from our multicultural heritage.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn the stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Curse of the Hope Diamond
We track the lore of this notorious gem through the centuries.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Zoo's Clues
Grab your microscope and get ready to head through a very special side door of the National Zoo—behind the scenes with veterinary pathologists.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Bill Nye the Sidedoor Guy
We sit down with Bill Nye to get schooled on science education and comedy.
