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We invite you to explore your interests, discover something new, or spark a memory. Our vast collections and the research surrounding them are available to you online on a kaleidoscope of topics—from art to zoology.

Select a topic to discover featured collections and stories, OR search millions of digital records.

National Museum of American History

Statue of Liberty Hanukkah Lamp

This Hanukkah lamp was made to mark the centennial of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.
Sidedoor Podcast

Edison's Demon Dolls
Hear a short story that imagines what happens when two little girls receive one of Edison’s talking dolls as a holiday gift.
National Museum of the American Latino

¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States

Learn how Latinas and Latinos have shaped the nation.
Smithsonian Folkways

Holiday Music Map

This holiday music sampler from the Smithsonian Folkways collection includes 56 songs from 24 nations.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
Smithsonian Sparks

How Do You Photograph a Single Snowflake?
More than 100 years ago, Wilson A. Bentley was the first person to capture an individual snowflake.
Smithsonian Open Access

Digital Backgrounds

Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background.
National Museum of Natural History

Minerals and Gems

The Smithsonian's mineral and gem collection at the National Museum of Natural History is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Ancient Egypt

Explore collections related to ancient Egypt from across the Smithsonian.
Smithsonian 3D

Apollo 11 Command Module

Explore the spacecraft that carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon.
Smithsonian Folkways

Masters of Tradition: A Cultural Journey Across America

Discover the broad array of musical styles and cultural stories that enliven our nation.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

Any old way you choose it, for many, it's got to be rock and roll music.

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cases of butterflies

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xo laptop Cooper Hewitt

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Research Resources

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Collections Sampler

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