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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 Spotlight

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue

The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner—the American flag in our collections.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Excelsior! Super Superheroes

A look at superheroes in the Smithsonian's collections and remembering Stan Lee.
Smithsonian 175

Explore America

Take an American road trip through 175 years of the Smithsonian's collections.
Smithsonian Sparks

Marsha Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and the History of Pride Month
The first Pride parades marked the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
Smithsonian Sparks

Escape of the Invasives
Top six invasive plants and suggestions of native stand-ins to plant in your garden.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Freedom of the Press

Explore news media and journalism–related collection items from across the Smithsonian.
Smithsonian Open Access

Digital Backgrounds

Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll

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

Fabulous Footwear

Along with the Ruby Slippers, the Smithsonian has some fabulous footwear in the collections.

More to Explore

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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