The Smithsonian is home to the rare and unusual, the awe-inspiring and beautiful, and collections that can be found nowhere else on Earth. But who knew we’re also the go-to destination for pocket-monster collectors? Continue reading Gotta visit ‘em all!
Max Kibblewhite spent all night at the Air and Space Museum to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic building and lived to tell about it. Here’s the report. Continue reading All Night at the Museum
As is traditional, the day of the Smithsonian Staff Picnic was blindingly hot and stiflingly humid, but as is also traditional, that didn’t keep everyone from having a great time! Continue reading The 2016 Smithsonian Staff Picnic
The Smithsonian has a long history of diversity–in our collections, in our exhibitions and in our staff. As Pride month draws to a close, Max Kibblewhite takes a look at how the Smithsonian is preserving and promoting the stories of the LGBTQ community. Continue reading The Pride of the Smithsonian
Two years ago, the Mayor of London’s Office approached the Smithsonian to explore our possible interest in participating in the redevelopment of the former Olympic Park in East London as part of a new educational and cultural quarter in the city.
Today, Secretary David Skorton announced that the Smithsonian and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London are moving forward on a collaboration that will result in the Institution’s first permanent exhibition space outside of the United States. Continue reading Victoria and Albert and…James? The Smithsonian goes to London
The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States of America must decide complex questions of critical national importance. But when the question is, “Who had the tuna salad on wheat?” consensus is quickly reached. Continue reading Legal Eats: Food and the Culture of the U.S. Supreme Court
More than 315 billion pounds of plastic pollute our oceans, including the Great Pacific trash vortex, a vast patch of plastic debris that some estimates calculate as being twice the size of the continental United States. This horrifying fact is embodied, quite literally, in dramatic sculptures of marine life made entirely from plastic trash collected from beaches. Continue reading Washed ashore: Art to Save the Sea
We all hear about the superstars—the colleagues who make scientific breakthroughs or uncover brilliant young artists or unravel historic mysteries—but what about those colleagues who do exceptional work at indispensable jobs that never make the news? Meet this year’s Unsung Heroes, Smithsonian staff who, day in and day out, make the Smithsonian a great Institution. Continue reading Going the Extra Mile Every Day: The 2016 Unsung Hero Awards
As the U.S. moves to normalize relations with Cuba, Secretary Skorton discusses the Smithsonian’s long history with the island nation and offers some insight into our future plans there. Continue reading Viejos amigos: The Smithsonian and Cuba
For the first time in decades, the majestic scimitar-horned oryx will again thunder across the deserts of northern Africa. Continue reading International cooperation makes a comeback
Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen. Voting ends Sunday, September 21st! Continue reading Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen
(Ed. note: We should note that it's never wise to stand behind a cow, even a buttery one. Cow pies never win blue ribbons.) Continue reading Behind the Butter Cow: A Look at the Renwick’s new State Fair exhibition
More than $2.5 million in grants has been awarded to fund projects ranging from exposing little kids to nature, the link between movement and emotional wellbeing and building a robotic telescope. Continue reading 2025 Together we Thrive
Melanie Adams will serve as interim director beginning August 26. Continue reading Director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is stepping down
