Explore Technology & Innovation
Ingenuity and inventions from the past to the present
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.
Featured
Discover featured online collections, resources, and stories from across the Smithsonian.
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National Museum of American History
Invention Stories Thomas Edison's Inventive Life
Edison's Menlo Park "gang" produced an incredible variety of inventions and improvements to existing inventions. -
National Air and Space Museum
3D Scanning Space Shuttle Discovery
Learn how the Smithsonian captured a comprehensive 3D dataset of the largest museum artifact ever to be digitized. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Bicycles: Icons of Innovation and Mobility
Tour bicycle-related collection items and learn about the bicycle's impact on American culture. -
National Air and Space Museum
Engineering and Technology
Explore feats of technology and engineering through stories and artifacts. -
National Museum of American History
Recombinant DNA and the Birth of Biotech
Follow the story of recombinant DNA from its conception in the lab to products on the pharmacist’s shelf. -
Smithsonian Snapshot
The Wright Brothers’ Flight
The invention of the airplane by Wilbur and Orville Wright is one of the great stories in American history.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Telephones Through Time
Explore telephone-related items from across the Smithsonian. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Skateboarding and Invention
The skateboard has sparked a vibrant culture of art, music, and sport around the world. -
Smithsonian Story
Shaping Innovation in the United States
Learn how the Smithsonian has supported our nation’s historic scientific innovations.
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Smithsonian Story
Five Ways the Tractor Changed American Farming
Learn a bumper crop of facts about the unsung heroes of the American farm.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Technology of Hip-Hop
Discover five items that explore the history of America’s most tech-savvy music genre. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Clocks and Watches
Discover timepieces in the collections from Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch to a whimsical insect clock.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn stories you won't find anywhere else. Discover more episodes on technology and innovation.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Many Inventions of Beatrice Kenner
Learn more about one of the most prolific African American inventors of the mid 20th century.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Inventor, Photographer ... Murderer
Meet Muybridge, a photographer from the 1800s whose work paved the way for the invention of motion pictures.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Worst Video Game Ever?
Deep within the National Museum of American History’s vaults is a battered Atari case.
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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?