• West African drums and dance
  • Wild Anacostias in front of the Smithsonian Castle
  • Taiko drummers Freer|Sackler
  • Smithsonian Receives Brian Setzer’s Gretsch Guitar
  • Latino Center: Concert

Smithsonian Music

Did you know? 

The Smithsonian’s combined musical resources constitute the world’s largest museum of music. Music is an integral part of the Smithsonian’s connective tissue, spanning a remarkable number and diversity of collections, programs, and exhibitions.

If you listen closely, the Smithsonian is not as quiet as you might think!

Smithsonian Year of Music 2019 | 365 Days of Music

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Object of the Day

Kurtis Blow's Leather Jacket

This black and red leather jacket was worn by hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow on the cover of his album "Deuce" (1981).

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Listen

Barbara Dane and the Chambers Brothers Women's Liberation

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J Dilla and turntable Sidedoor: Ep. 13 | This One’s for Dilla

Featured Podcast Episode

Bill Traylor art Between Worlds: The Art of Bill Traylor

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Learn

music lesson Educational Resources

Discover Smithsonian resources for educators, students, and lifelong learners.

Stained glass window with RCA "Nipper" Ask Smithsonian Music Videos

The Smithsonian answers your questions about music and our collections.

Lakota drum Music Collections Spotlights

Explore music through stories told with our collections.

Joan Baez Music Stories

Articles from our magazines, educational resources, artist spotlights, and more.

Watch

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Blog

Rhiannon Giddens Session Notes from Songs of Our Native Daughters
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Nat King Cole Celebrating Nat King Cole's 100th Birthday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Meredith Hol A Q&A with the Smithsonian’s First Curator of Women’s Music
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Heartbeat Poster Pure Coquette
Cooper Hewitt
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Featured Music Programs

Music comes alive at the Smithsonian with performances by local artists and world-renowned masters.

SJMO orchestra Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

Illuminating the work of jazz masters as the orchestra-in-residence at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Luce Unplugged concert space Luce Unplugged Community Showcase

Luce Unplugged is a free, monthly local concert series held in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center for American Art.

Axelrod String Quartet Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

Bringing the Smithsonian's priceless collection of musicial instruments to life.