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Plan Your Visit
Discover the Smithsonian's 17 Washington, D.C.–area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except Cooper Hewitt. Find out what's on and join us for vibrant events and exhibitions that illuminate art, science, history, and culture.
Topics
Explore your interests! Our extensive collections and the research that enriches them are available online for you to discover.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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Smithsonian Commemoration
Our Shared Future: 250
Explore events and exhibitions honoring America’s 250th that will take place in 2026 across the Smithsonian. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Year of the Fire Horse
Welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse and discover horses in collections across the Smithsonian. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
We Heart Art
From amulets to valentines, the heart motif in art and design. -
Smithsonian Story
Six Cold and Flu Medicines You’re Not Taking Today
Many medications of the past contained ingredients that would never be allowed today.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Music and Fashion: Culture in Conversation
Music and fashion influence each other, and they reflect and impact the culture at large. -
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 Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
Around the Smithsonian
Mysteries of the Universe
Starting with solar studies in 1890, the Smithsonian has been exploring questions spanning from our atmosphere to deep space. -
Smithsonian 3D
Neil Armstrong's Space Suit
Explore and download 3D models of Armstrong's spacesuit and other Apollo 11 objects. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Color Journey
Take a colorful tour through art and artifacts in the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
1976: A Year in the Collections
Explore objects and stories related to the year 1976 in the Smithsonian's collections.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to hear stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Secret of Lincoln's Watch
Sidedoor digs into the family story of a secret message etched inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch.
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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
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.
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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.
Membership
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