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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.

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Michelle holding bull shark
Smithsonian Insider

Shark Detectives of the Chesapeake Bay

When many people think of the Chesapeake Bay, they think of the iconic blue crab. But parts of the bay are also home to several species of shark.
orchid
Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

The Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection has over 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.
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.
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.
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.
Broadcast News cover
Smithsonian Spotlight

All That’s Old Is News Again

Explore news-related collection items from across the Smithsonian.
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.
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. 
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.
balloon
Smithsonian Spotlight

Up, Up, and Away

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