Exhibitions

American painters Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer, and Abbott Thayer created profoundly beautiful views of the New England landscapes where they lived and worked. These paintings largely depict that environment as timeless and static.... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

These artworks were some of the 29 pieces that were legally transferred to their country of origin, Nigeria, in fall 2022. The so-called “bronzes,” which were in the museum’s collection for many years, were stolen from Nigeria during the 1897 .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

Explore the remarkable story of bison. These iconic animals shaped North American landscapes for more than 100,000 years and anchored Indigenous lifeways for generations. Pushed to the brink of extinction in the 19th century, bison survived .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

More than 100 years ago, real bison grazed outside the Smithsonian Castle building. Bison are returning in a bold new way! Three larger-than-life bronze bison, created by sculptor Gary Staab, find a permanent home outside the Smithsonian .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

Bison have long captured our imaginations. In paintings, photographs, stories, and sculpture, this powerful animal represents wildness, resilience, and the spirit of the American West. The historic books, images, and objects on view are drawn .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

A towering and visually striking sculpture of Haitian leader Toussaint Louverture by contemporary Senegalese artist Ousmane Sow is the centerpiece of an exhibition of important acquisitions of the past decade at the Smithsonian’s National .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

Year-round and seasonal residents, migrants and vagrants—hundreds of bird species—are displayed. They all live in the region extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Allegheny Mountains. Learn where and when to look for a snowy owl or ruffed .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

Design has long shaped America’s identity—enhancing daily life, driving innovation, and reflecting shared values. Cooper Hewitt marks the nation’s 250th anniversary with a major, multi-year installation of the museum’s permanent collection—.... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.