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Inspiring the Inventor in Everyone

Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation

Empowering people to solve problems, navigate challenges, and create real change in their lives and communities.
Learn More About Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
Smithsonian Digitization

Smithsonian 3D

Explore some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects using 3D technology.
Learn More About Smithsonian 3D

Since its founding, the Smithsonian has been at the forefront of technological innovation to advance scientific discovery. Our scientists use cutting-edge techniques to track wildlife, monitor pollution, preserve biodiversity, and explore the universe. Our museums investigate and highlight the vital role of invention and innovation in shaping human history from Stone Age tools to the Apollo 11 moon landing to 3D digitization to AI.

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Featured

Discover online collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.

Sidedoor Podcast

graphic collage of space suit related items.

Sidedoor Podcast

Outer Space & Underwear

Learn how expert seamstresses played a critical role in the first well-supported steps on the moon.

Illustration of Beatrice Kenner

Sidedoor Podcast

The Many Inventions of Beatrice Kenner

Learn more about one of the most prolific African American inventors of the mid 20th century.

episode 4

Sidedoor Podcast

The Mean, Green, Water-Cleaning Machine

The Algal Turf Scrubber harvests algae from large bodies of water and converts it to biomass, and is one of the marine ecology field’s best-kept secrets.

woman looking at AI rendering

Sidedoor Podcast

The Robot in the Mirror

Artificial intelligence is built on human intelligence. Meet a very special robot who asks us to consider: whose image will be reflected in our AI future?

From the Collections

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