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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.

Smithsonian Stories

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
The start of fall brings cooler temperatures and shorter days that transform trees.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Things That Scare Us

Take a tour through our favorite spooky collection items—if you dare.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

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

Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

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

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections.
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 Open Access

Digital Backgrounds

Put yourself in the scene! Download high-resolution images to use in your next video meeting or as a computer background.
Smithsonian Spotlight

American Women Artists

Discover women artists and their works in the collections.
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Art and Science of Bats

Shy, nocturnal creatures, bats have been both feared and revered. The Smithsonian is home to the world's largest collection of bat specimens.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Natural Beauty

Enjoy a selection of landscape paintings and artwork inspired by nature's beauty.
Smithsonian Stories

Six Stories on Vaccines, Disease, and Public Health
Through our collections, we connect stories of science and history.

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cases of butterflies

Collections

Learn about the artifacts, works of art, and specimens in our collections.

xo laptop Cooper Hewitt

Blogs

Insights and stories from inside the Smithsonian.

vintage listeners

Podcasts

Lend us your ears and we'll tell you a tale.

cellular phone stamp

Mobile Apps

Take the Smithsonian with you on the go.

library books

Research Resources

Libraries, archives, and more digital resources.

Collections Sampler

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