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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.

Big Jazz Painting
Smithsonian Spotlight

Jazzed About Art

It's Jazz Appreciation Month! Seeing sound through art in our collections.
Memorial poster for Martin Luther King, Jr.
Smithsonian Spotlight

1968: A Year in the Collections

A look back at 1968, a tumultuous, pivotal year marked by political and cultural change.
Moonwatch Volunteers, 1965
Smithsonian

National Volunteer Month

On-site, online, or behind the scenes, the Smithsonian has always relied on volunteers and citizen scientists.
forest path
Second Opinion

Do You Have Reason to Be Optimistic about the Earth’s Future?

Join some of the world's leading thinkers in a spirited discussion about our ever changing planet.
Broadcast News cover
Smithsonian Spotlight

All That’s Old Is News Again

Explore news-related collection objects from across the Smithsonian.
deco clock
Smithsonian Spotlight

1928: A Year in the Collections

Turn back the clock to the Jazz Age with objects from our collections.
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. 
silver oxfords
Smithsonian Spotlight

Fabulous Footwear

Along with the Ruby Slippers, the Smithsonian has some fabulous footwear in the collections.
perforated steel sculpture
Smithsonian Insider

Bringing Burning Man’s Art from the Nevada Desert to Downtown D.C.

In downtown Washington, D.C., art is spilling out from galleries and onto the streets.
Amy Winehouse
Smithsonian Insider

What Makes a Great Rock 'n' Roll Photo?

Rock ’n’ roll musicians live forever in the mind’s eye thanks to iconic photos of them in their element, playing live.
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.
balloon
Smithsonian Spotlight

Up, Up, and Away

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