historic rendering of SI Castle

Welcome

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Join us on a voyage of discovery in person or explore online.

illustration of autumn leaf
Smithsonian Spotlight

Autumn Views

Celebrating the beauty of the changing season with art and objects in the collections.
Duncan yo-yo
National Museum of American History

Duncan Mickey Mouse Club Yo-Yo

On this day in 1955, the "Mickey Mouse Club" premieres on ABC. This yo-yo was made in the 1960s.
miles davis' jacket
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
50s car with fins
Smithsonian Spotlight

1957: A Year in the Collections

Mid-century modern, space motifs, and music, in the midst of social change.
cat mummy
Smithsonian Spotlight

Cats of Asia and Ancient Egypt

In celebration of the October 14 opening of Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt, explore Asian and Egyptian cats from across the Smithsonian.
kids gardening
Smithsonian Spotlight

50th Anniversary!

The Anacostia Community Museum renews its mission to convene conversations about community life in a contemporary society.
bottles of parasite specimans
Smithsonian Insider

Changing Climate and Parasites

A new study shows that parasites are facing major extinctions, and museum natural history collections hold the key to research.
Sylvia Plath
Smithsonian Spotlight

American Women Writers

Discover women writers who have made a mark on American history and culture.
tardigrade
Smithsonian Insider

What Species Will Be Earth’s Last Survivors?

Scientists determine the world’s most indestructible species will survive until the Sun dies.
Miss Liberty Celebration
Smithsonian Spotlight

The Statue of Liberty: Symbol for a Nation

A gift from France in 1886, Lady Liberty in our collections and across America.
scarlet tanager
Smithsonian Insider

A Cup of Joe That’s Good for the Birds

Learn about Bird Friendly coffee, an initiative spearheaded by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
balloon
Smithsonian Spotlight

Up, Up, and Away

Let balloonamania carry you away with these picks from the collections.

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TravelTravel

Travel the world and learn with Smithsonian Journeys. Request a free catalog today.

MagazineSmithsonian Magazine

Smithsonian magazine places a Smithsonian lens on the world.

ChannelSmithsonian Channel

Original programs exploring science, nature, history, and pop culture.