One hundred and seventy five years ago today, the Board of Regents was in the midst of its inaugural meeting held over three days from September 7–9, 1846, in the Patent Office Building (now the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture). Continue reading Smithsonian 175: The Regents Begin Work
Draw the Curtain, a larger-than-life installation by Swiss-born artist Nicolas Party will unveil the unexpected by turning the the building exterior of the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden into a massive, 360-degree artwork. Installation of the piece has already begun! Stop by the National Mall in Washington D.C. to watch the transformation, or you can view in the completed piece online and in person soon. Continue reading The curtain opens on a dramatic new installation at the Hirshhorn
Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn became the new director of our American Women’s History Initiative on Monday, August 16. Sara Cohen spent some time with Dr. Nunn to find out what inspires her about leading work focused on women’s history at the Smithsonian. Continue reading Meet Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn
Mosquitoes are intricately intertwined with countless plants, animals, microorganisms and pathogens, yet our perception of them remains narrowly focused on the itchy welts they leave and diseases they carry. Indeed, the lesser-known mosquitoes out there reflect a rich diversity that’s hard to ignore once you take a closer look. Chances are there are more than a few that could save lives, if only we could appreciate theirs. Continue reading The Secret Lives of Mosquitoes, the World’s Most Hated Insects
A new Smithsonian initiative that will examine the history and legacy of race and racism kicks August 26 with a virtual summit examining these urgent issues. Continue reading The Relationship Between Race and Wellness Has Never Been More Pressing
The Smithsonian American Art Museum has announced a major acquisition of the works of early Black photographers James P. Ball, Glenalvin Goodridge and Augustus Washington. Continue reading New Collection of Portraits Presents the Diversity of 19th-Century American Photography
As the giant panda team prepares to celebrate Xiao Qi Ji’s first birthday Aug. 21, take a look back at his top 12 milestones that left panda fans around the world in awe and ‘aww.’ Continue reading Happy First Birthday, Xiao Qi Ji!
As summer draws to a close, one of Smithsonian Gardens’ newest staff members, Phil Evich, shares his thoughts and observations from time he spent rotating through each of the Smithsonian gardens and landscapes earlier this season. This is Part 1 of Phil’s Annual Adventure. Continue reading An Annual Adventure at Smithsonian Gardens
One year ago, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed Xiao Qi Ji—a precious giant panda born in the midst of a global pandemic. Fans who follow the beloved bear’s #PandaStory from the beginning reveled in watching him grow into the playful and curious cub he is today. As the giant panda team prepares to celebrate Xiao Qi Ji’s first birthday Aug. 21, take a look back at his top 12 milestones that left panda fans around the world in awe and ‘aww.’ Continue reading Happy First Birthday, Xiao Qi Ji!
Yes, it still involves bivalves and bowels, but there’s a lot more to the story. Continue reading The true story behind how pearls are made
Join Taliia Smith of the Office of Public Relations' Social Media team as she celebrates Teacher's Appreciation Day by appreciating some teachers. Continue reading Celebrating Smithsonian Educators
We are reevaluating and working to improve the survey to better meet the needs of both staff and leadership. Continue reading Update on the 2025 Smithsonian Employee Perspective Survey
The Smithsonian Excellence in Digital Awards acknowledge, honor, and elevate outstanding staff achievements across a variety of digital disciplines Continue reading Nominations are now open for the 2025 Excellence in Digital Awards
Brachman brings 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the private sector to her new role. Continue reading Anne Brachman named new director of the Office of Government Relations
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen Bryant’s half-century of service
