• 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

Featured Event

Upcoming Events

Object of the Day

Wade Ward's Gibson Five-String Banjo

Benjamin Wade Ward of Independence, Virginia, one of the most admired traditional banjo players of this century, owned this Gibson banjo. Ward performed with the Galax, Virginia group the “Bog Trotters,” often providing entertainment during auctions and other local events.

View more

Listen

Blowout at Mardi Gras Sounds from New Orleans from Smithsonian Folkways

Featured Playlist

Gladys Bentley Sidedoor: Ep. 15 | Singing the Gender-Bending Blues

Featured Podcast Episode

Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar Alan Singer’s Folk Song to Hip Hop Inspiration

Featured Playlist

View all »

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

View all »

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.