͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏ ‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
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Rendering of the Smithsonian Castle illuminated

A Two-Night Transformation

On the evening of July 17 and 18, the Smithsonian Castle will be transformed into a captivating artistic experience, inviting visitors to an immersive night of light, sound and visuals. Join us on the National Mall to see Refik Anadol’s “Smithsonian Dreams” come to life. 
Experience the Dream »
Smithsonian Sidedoor’s Lizzie Peabody and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III in the recording studio

American Aspirations: A Nation in Pursuit

In a special episode of the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III puts his curator hat back on to talk Lizzie through American Aspirations, an exhibition he co-curated. Listen to the episode or watch a video version on the Smithsonian's YouTube Channel. 
Watch Now »
"Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air" Exhibition

New Galleries Take Flight

Along with celebrating 50 years on the National Mall, this month, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum opened five new and reimagined galleries. Launch into each new exhibition online or plan your visit in person and immerse yourself in a new world of wonder and discovery!  
Start Exploring »
Crop of Individual quilt squares commissioned by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and assembled into a single quilt as part of the "To Honor and Comfort: Native Quilting Traditions" exhibit at the NMAI's George Gustav Heye Center in 1997.

Quilting with Community

Join the National Museum of the American Indian’s virtual Quilt-Along to explore Native quilting traditions through stories, techniques, and free patterns by Indigenous artists.
Thread the Needle »
The Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building

Family Fun at the Smithsonian

On July 25, Smithsonian's Family Day welcomes visitors to the iconic Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building for a family-friendly celebration of the nation's history—inspiring a new generation toward the future.
Discover More »
James Smithson's Trivia Corner

Trivia: Printing Independence

250 years ago, 52 men came together to sign our nation’s founding document, etching their names into history. Since then, countless copies of the Declaration of Independence have been printed, but only one woman’s name has appeared alongside the men who signed it.

What woman’s name is included in the first printed copy of the signed Declaration of Independence?
Betsy Ross
Mary Katharine Goddard
Deborah Sampson
Martha Washington
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Image credits: Rendering of the Smithsonian Castle lit up, Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Sidedoor’s Lizzie Peabody and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III in the recording studio, 2026, Smithsonian Institution; Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air Exhibition, June 10, 2026, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum PHOTO Daniel Soñé; Paula J. White, Mary Bighorse, Ina McNeil, Margaret Wood, Ana Cooke Hoffman, Gussie Bento, Judy Toppings, Sheree Bonaparte, Lula Red Cloud, Conrad House, Nancy Naranjo, Harriet Soong, Shirley M. Grady, Jimmie Carole Fife Stewart, Alice Olsen Williams, Rita L. Corbiere, Marlene Sekaquaptewa, Ollie Napesni, and Bernyce K. Courtney, Quilt, 1997, Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian; Arts and Industries Building, Smithsonian Institution; James Smithson, Smithsonian American Art Museum