Smithsonian Institution

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

Learn about 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.

Plan Your Visit »

Choose a topic or search millions of digital records.

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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.

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  Smithsonian Story

  Animal Tracking Technology

  From tiny trackers on birds to larger elephant collars, scientists learn a lot from tracking animal movement in the wild. 

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  Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

  Orchids: Nature's Art

  Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 orchids. Explore a selection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.

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  March

  Women's History Month

  Explore events, resources, and exhibitions that tell a range of women's stories.

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  Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

  Cherry Blossoms

  No matter where you are, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the Smithsonian's collections.

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  National Museum of African American History and Culture

  Thomas Peterson

  On this day in 1870, Peterson became the first African American to cast a ballot in a U.S. election under the provisions of the 15th Amendment.

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  Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

  March Madness

  Get ready for the big dance with basketball finds in the Smithsonian's collections.

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  March

  Irish American Heritage Month

  Explore our related collection images, videos, and music.

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  Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

  Take Me Out to the Ball Game

  Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections.

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  Friends of the Smithsonian

  See What Blooms

  Select your favorite flowerpot from the Smithsonian’s collection to reveal your springtime surprise!

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  Smithsonian Snapshot

  César Chávez's Jacket

  Remembering an American Labor Rights Leader.

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  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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  Sidedoor Podcast

  To Sweat Like Beyoncé

  Collected, a podcast from the National Museum of American History, dives into the history of Black women in music. 

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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

  The Curse of the Hope Diamond

  We track the lore of this notorious gem through the centuries.

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  Sidedoor Podcast

  Right Stuff, Wrong Sex

  Sidedoor explores what became of America’s first female astronaut candidates.