Smithsonian Homepage
Welcome
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex.
Join us on a voyage of discovery. Explore our vast digital resources and learn online.
Plan Your Visit
View guides for the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except the Cooper Hewitt in NYC. Find out what's on and learn about our events and exhibitions.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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Smithsonian Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
1925: A Year in the Collections
Look back one hundred years into the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection 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. -
Around the Smithsonian
Mysteries of the Universe
Beginning with studies of our sun in 1890, the Smithsonian has been answering questions about our atmosphere and beyond. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
A Day at the Beach
A trip to the shore—without the sand in your shoes. -
Smithsonian Story
Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save from Extinction
Conservation efforts help bring endangered species back from the brink.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Freedom of the Press
Explore news media and journalism–related collection items from across the Smithsonian. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Color Journey
Take a colorful tour through art and artifacts in the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Revolution
Explore collections and stories related to the founding of the United States of America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Let's Go to the Movies
Explore images and objects related to the history of motion pictures in America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll
Any old way you choose it, explore rock and roll music in our collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Fabulous Footwear
Along with the Ruby Slippers, the Smithsonian has some fabulous footwear in the collections.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn the stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Right Stuff, Wrong Sex
Sidedoor explores what became of America’s first female astronaut candidates.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Whole Truth
Much of what we know about Sojourner Truth is fiction. Turns out, the whole Truth is even better than fiction.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Monkeyin' Around on the Devil's Island
Follow along on a search for the elusive and rambunctious capuchin monkey on an island in the Pacific.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Cellphones Rock
Cellphones put the power of the world at our fingertips and it's all made possible by rocks formed millions of years ago, deep underground.
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Membership
Keep the Smithsonian thriving by becoming a member today.
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Magazine
Smithsonian magazine places a Smithsonian lens on the world.
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Channel
Award-winning programming exploring science, nature, history, and pop culture.
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Shop
Your purchase helps the Smithsonian bring exciting learning experiences to everyone.
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Travel
Over 350 tours and cruises to all seven continents. Let the journey begin.