First cultivated in Mesoamerica, cacao beans are the foundation for making cocoa and chocolate. Cacao beans were so highly prized by Mayans and Aztecs that they were used as currency in many areas of ...

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will host its annual “Innovations in Flight” outdoor display at the museum’s ...

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, ...

Beginning in May 2026, Smithsonian Gardens will explore how gardens bring people and plants together to shape the future ...

Free admission at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in New York City. Most museums are open every day of the year except December 25. Cooper Hewitt in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving ...

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people gathered in the nation’s capital for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march was the brainchild of longtime civil rights activist and labor ...

We appreciate the opportunity to share Smithsonian resources that document and celebrate the rich history and culture of ...

The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) program provides visual artists from across the world the opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars in ...

The Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection has over 8,000 specimens from all over the world. It is an invaluable resource for educational programs, exhibitions, and scientific research. Explore a ...

Star-Spangled Banner; Washington’s uniform; Jefferson’s lap desk; Dorothy’s ruby slippers; American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. There is no public parking facility for Smithsonian museums on the ...

Family members at the Taylor family home on Martha’s Vineyard. Credit: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American ...

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives will launch a dynamic lineup of exhibitions and public programming starting in May as part ...