Building the Smithsonian
Explore the Smithsonian’s iconic buildings from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to the forests of Panama and beyond.
The power, lasting impact of activist Chicano artists
Each spring across the forests, lakes and suburbs of North America, millions of birds take a long journey north in search of summer nesting territory.
The Smithsonian was founded in the early days of a brand-new democracy, as the United States was developing its identity as a nation that applies new ideas and scientific inquiry to better society. From the beginning, the Smithsonian helped shape that identity. The institution still does, innovating to meet the evolving needs of the American people. Explore moments of innovation that shaped the Smithsonian over 175 years.