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The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. We are a community of learning and the opener of doors. Join us on a voyage of discovery and explore and learn online.

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As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed to the public as of Monday, Nov. 23. Outdoor gardens remain open, no passes required.

Even when we are closed, you can visit us from home. Learn how Smithsonian cares and explore our digital resources, including online events, exhibitions, and podcasts. You can also find curated museum-inspired gifts at our online store.

Select a topic to discover featured collections and stories, OR search millions of digital records.
Woman wearing a surgical mask.
National Museum of American History

Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections

Join curators and historians for an engaging series of panel discussions.
Harmony in Blue and Gold The Peacock Room
Smithsonian Open Access

Digital Backgrounds

Put yourself in the scene! Download high-resolution images to use in your next video meeting or as a computer background.
Hanukkah Forever stamp
Smithsonian Spotlight

Happy Hanukkah

Explore our Hanukkah collections to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Miles Davis' jacket
Smithsonian Spotlight

Don't Forget Your Jacket

Some amazing people have left their jackets at the Smithsonian.
corona virus visualization.
Smithsonian Science Education Center

COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself and Others?

Engage in activities to explore the impact of COVID-19, understand the science of the disease, and learn how to stay safe.
monkey with abacus
Smithsonian Spotlight

Monkey Business

December 14 is Monkey Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating monkeys and raising awareness about their habitats and role in the environment.
Sheet music for 1920 Ziefeld Follies by Irving Berlin
Smithsonian Spotlight

1920: A Year in the Collections

Explore items related to the year, including a pen used to sign the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Merry Christmoose card.
Smithsonian Spotlight

Holiday Cards

Open up these seasonal greetings that span more than a century in the Smithsonian's collections.
People walking in prayer.
Anacostia Community Museum

Moments of Resilience

Share your stories about communities supporting each other on a day-to-day basis in challenging times.
poinsettia engraving
Smithsonian Gardens

Poinsettias

Horticulturalist Monty Holmes gives an inside look at the history, culture, and science of poinsettias.
3 bears caught on camera
Smithsonian Collaboration

eMammal: See Wildlife, Do Science

Place “camera traps” in your community to assist researchers in answering questions about mammal distribution and abundance.
German Christmas Songs
Smithsonian Folkways

Holiday Music Map

This holiday music sampler from the Smithsonian Folkways collection includes 56 songs from 24 nations on an interactive map.