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Discover the Smithsonian's 17 free Washington, D.C.–area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Find out what's on and join us for vibrant events and exhibitions that illuminate art, science, history, technology, 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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👁 Cherry Blossom trees at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Cherry Blossoms
No matter where you are, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the Smithsonian's collections. -
👁 Heart Motif, Textile Design Tommi Parzinger, German, 1903 - 1981
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
We Heart Art
From amulets to valentines, the heart motif in art and design. -
👁 lavender heeled ankle boots with Prince's Love Symbol as the zipper pull.
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Music and Fashion: Culture in Conversation
Music and fashion influence each other, and they reflect and impact the culture at large. -
👁 Harmony in Blue and Gold The Peacock Room
Smithsonian Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
👁 Textile with repeating image of a group sitting at a table set with plates and a candle holder. A girl stands nearby.
Smithsonian Story
Passover through the Eyes of a Child
A seder plate, candles, and family gathered around the table can be seen in this seder textile created by a 10-year-old student.
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👁 Egg covered in a geometric design with red, yellow, black and green.
Smithsonian Story
Designing Easter Eggs
Decorated using wax and dye, these eggs are exchanged at Easter to symbolize new life.
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👁 NASA's Space Launch System on the launch pad.
National Air and Space Museum
All About the Artemis Program
The Artemis program is about more than going back to the Moon. It is NASA’s blueprint for the future of space travel. -
👁 The entire image is awash in intricate clouds, and swathes of superheated gas.
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. -
👁 Lady Terrapins hat
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
March Madness
Get ready for the big dance with basketball finds in the Smithsonian's collections. -
👁 Babe Ruth and other Red Sox pitchers
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Baseball History: Art, Artifacts, and Memorabilia
Swinging for the fences with these items in our collections. -
👁 Duke Ellington by legendary performer Tony Bennett.
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Duke Ellington
Legendary performer Tony Bennett, portrays the man he celebrated as his mentor. Learn more about Duke Ellington from across the Smithsonian. -
👁 Illustration of red, white and purple flowers.
Smithsonian Story
Springing into Gardening Books
Jane C. Webb Loudon made horticulture accessible for women to pursue as a hobby.
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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👁 Illustration of a skeleton hand holding a sparkling blue diamond.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Curse of the Hope Diamond
We track the lore of this notorious gem through the centuries.
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👁 An illustration of a group of muppets next to the Smithsonian castle.
Sidedoor Podcast
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.
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👁 Illustration featuring a monkey face looking over trees and people with podcast equipment.
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.
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👁 Illustration of Kali Holder with purple hair surrounded by profiles of animals.
Sidedoor Podcast
Zoo's Clues
Grab your microscope and get ready to head through a very special side door of the National Zoo—behind the scenes with veterinary pathologists.
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