Smithsonian Homepage
Plan Your Visit
View guides for the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC. Find out what's on and learn about our events and exhibitions.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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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. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
An Eloquent Argument
“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...”—Thomas Paine
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National Museum of American History
One Man/One Vote
On August 6, 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act that prohibited racial discrimination in access to voting. -
Smithsonian 3D
Neil Armstrong's Space Suit
Explore and download 3D models of Armstrong's spacesuit and other Apollo 11 objects. -
Smithsonian Commemoration
Our Shared Future: 250
Explore events and exhibitions honoring America’s 250th that will take place in 2025 and through 2026 across the Smithsonian. -
Around the Smithsonian
Mysteries of the Universe
Beginning with studies of our sun in 1890, the Smithsonian has been answering questions about our atmosphere and beyond. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
1925: A Year in the Collections
Look back one hundred years into the Smithsonian's collections. -
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 Collection Spotlight
American Revolution
Explore collections and stories related to the founding of the United States of America. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Color Journey
Take a colorful tour through art and artifacts in the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Freedom of the Press
Explore news media and journalism–related collection items from across the Smithsonian. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Let's Go to the Movies
Explore images and objects related to the history of motion pictures in America.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn the stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Red, White, and Brew
Meet the Smithsonian's brewing historian and a new wave of brewers who are working to craft some flavorful history of their own.
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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 World’s Deadliest Animal
The world’s deadliest animal isn’t the tiger, the snake, or even the alligator—it’s the mosquito.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.