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.

whirlygig
Smithsonian Spotlight

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue

The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner; discover the American flag in the Smithsonian's collections.
Circus
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Circus is in Town!

The 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival features Circus Arts. Enjoy these related objects from across the Smithsonian.
Bhutanese Temple Railing
Smithsonian Folklife Festival

50 Years | 50 Objects

Explore storied objects from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 1967–2017.
Miss Liberty Celebration
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Statue of Liberty: Symbol for a Nation

Lady Liberty in our collections and across America.
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. 
Blue Beach
Smithsonian Spotlight

A Day at the Beach

Take a trip to the shore through the Smithsonian's collections.
Smithsonian Solar Eclipse
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

2017 Solar Eclipse

Get ready for the total solar eclipse in America on August 21, 2017. Don't miss a moment with the Smithsonian Solar Eclipse app.
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.
Confiscated illegal ivory products
Smithsonian Insider

New Technique May Help Authorities Quickly ID Real and Fake Ivory Products

Fetching close to $1,500 per pound, ivory ranks fourth in black-market traded items just behind illegal drugs, weapons, and humans.
poster
Smithsonian Spotlight

Trains at Smithsonian Station

Pack your bags and take a trip on the many rails throughout our collections. 
scarlet tanager
Smithsonian Insider

A Cup of Joe That’s Also Good for the Birds

Learn about Bird Friendly coffee, an initiative spearheaded by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

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MagazineSmithsonian Magazine

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