Smithsonian Institution

The fossil specimen is now the physical example that researchers will refer to when describing new fossils of the same species.

The U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian’s 28th annual orchid exhibit is now open for visitors. This year, the display includes roughly 350 live orchids along with sculptures that showcase the anatomy of the plant, the botanic garden said.  Smithsonian Horticulturist Virginia Thaxton said the exhibit’s theme, “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration,” tells the story of how orchid...

The U.S. Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian have come together to put together the annual exhibit, with a focus on climate change and the future of the plant.

Every year, the Smithsonian Institution counts daily visits to each of its 20 museums, and makes that tally available to the general public.

If the federal government shuts down, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will stay open, at least initially.

The threat of a government shutdown is becoming more real every day and we’re only hours away from it becoming a reality and major national disruption. But what will it mean for you? NBC correspondent Noah Pransky explains.

For the first time in three years, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s contemporary and modern wings have reopened to the public. News4’s Megan McGrath takes you inside.

The museum’s popular third floor returns with new artwork and the iconic “Electronic Superhighway.”

It was a bittersweet birthday for local fans of Mei Xiang, who is expected to soon return to China.

Mei Xiang celebrated her 25th birthday in style on Saturday, with a blue “fruitsicle cake.” It’s a bittersweet occasion for panda fans: The bears are set to leave the National Zoo this December.

The 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall is highlighting the Ozarks. Here’s what to know.

News4’s Tommy McFly shows how this year’s festival is all about the Ozarks.

The baby western lowland gorilla born about two weeks ago at the National Zoo now has a name, thanks to thousands of animal fans who voted in a poll on the Zoo’s website.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed a baby western lowland gorilla on Saturday. The baby is the second born to 20-year-old mom, Calaya and 31-year-old dad, Baraka.

Two of the youngest members of the Smithsonian National Zoo are now on view to the public. 4-month-old Sean and Ian are Andean bear cubs.

Two male Andean bear cubs, born just a few months ago, have made their outdoor debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Ian and Shawn are the first cubs born to Brienne and Quito.

A new Smithsonian exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened Friday. “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” looks at Black identity in science fiction, history, art and pop culture.

Jill Biden’s Inauguration Day outfits are now at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

For the first time in over 50 years, the Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as the “Castle” on the National Mall, is getting a facelift. That means a 5-year closure of the building.