A better future relies on every one of us working together to find common purpose.

The National Museum of Asian Art spotlights cultural traditions from across Asia.

The National Museum of Asian Art spotlights cultural traditions from across Asia.

As a trusted national institution, the Smithsonian is uniquely able to bring communities together and build on what connects us.

Artist Verónica Castillo created this Tree of Life (El Árbol de la Vida) sculpture for the National Museum of the American Latino.

Tree of Life

That journey begins with understanding our history and how it has shaped us.

The National Native American Veterans Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian honors the service of Native Americans in every branch of the U.S. military.

National Native American Veteran's Memorial

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Smithsonian will draw on its rich resources to celebrate the nation’s successes, contemplate the consequences of history and commemorate those who have worked to advance the nation’s founding ideals.

The Star-Spangled Banner is one of the most visited objects at the National Museum of American History

Family in front of the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit which features the American flag and the song lyrics

Smithsonian collections—from iconic artifacts to documents and recorded voices—bring history to life and highlight shared experiences.

President Abraham Lincoln’s top hat is among the most iconic objects in the National Museum of American History’s collections.

Abe Lincoln's Hat

Smithsonian exhibitions and programs expand understanding about and among diverse communities.

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center hosts events that highlight writers, artists and community leaders.

female with purple cloth over shoulder speaking into microphone at the Asian Pacific American Literature Festival

Smithsonian experts and collections provide critical context, make surprising connections and reach into homes and classrooms in a way few other institutions can.

Author Toni Morrison is among many pathbreaking Americans represented in the National Portrait Gallery's collections.

Author Toni Morrison

Smithsonian visitors—people of all backgrounds and beliefs—find meaning in our collections and help us uncover untold stories.

This suitcase, owned by Japanese American Taki Watanabe, shows the five-digit number assigned to her family as they were forcibly removed to an incarceration center in Idaho during World War II.

Brown Suitcase on black background

Together, we will forge a path towards a better future.

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is part of a consortium building the Giant Magellan Telescope.

The Center for Astrophysics

By looking to the lessons of history.

An 1880 Hunkpapa Lakota dress is part of the National Museum of the American Indian collections

An 1880 Hunkpapa Lakota dress is part of the National Museum of the American Indian collections.

By ensuring all Smithsonian visitors see their own stories reflected in the nation’s museum.

Students in Oklahoma interview a local Tribal leader as part of a Museum on Main Street/Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service program.

Students in Oklahoma interview a local Tribal leader as part of a Museum on Main Street/Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service program

By engaging the heart and mind through curiosity and wonder.

Artist Ayana V. Jackson created immersive videos for an exhibition at the National Museum of African Art.

Still from Where Light and Sound Bend

Join us in looking ahead to the next 250 years by imagining what a better shared future can be.