news report
Avocado DNA Traces a 5,000-Year Crop Journey Into Central America
Genomes from Nicaraguan landraces point toward ancient movement from South America—and a living reservoir of diversity for a Hass-dominated market.
entities
Smithsonian Institution
news report
Smithsonian's ‘From These Lands’ Opens With 600 Objects
The 5,000-square-foot Natural History Museum show represents every state, D.C. and five inhabited U.S. territories through December 2029.
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Hirshhorn’s “50 for 50” Will Send American Art to 51 Museums
One institution in every state and Puerto Rico will receive free three- to five-year loans selected to connect with its own collection and local audience.
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Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopens Oct. 31 With 50% More Art
The Smithsonian says the redesigned National Mall garden will display 24 major works from Joseph H. Hirshhorn’s foundational gift.
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Smithsonian Extends “American Aspirations” Exhibition Through Aug. 10
The 30-object show at the Castle now runs through the institution’s 180th anniversary, with artifacts spanning the founding era, aviation, space and computing.
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Three Bronze Bison Anchor Smithsonian’s Yearlong National Mall Program
The sculptures and two exhibitions connect the species’ near-extinction, Indigenous relationships, conservation history and ecological role.
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Smithsonian STEM Gift Targets 40 Communities and 24 Schools
A $2.3 million Caterpillar Foundation donation will fund teacher training, hands-on resources and an AI learning guide across 21 states over three years.
news report
Smithsonian’s ‘In Pursuit’ Exhibition Spans 250 Objects and Three Floors
The National Museum of American History has turned 250,000 square feet into a yearlong exploration of life, liberty and happiness.
news report
Smithsonian Opens Japanese-Language Catalog for 2,200 Rare-Book Volumes
The searchable Pulverer Collection resource removes an English-only barrier for researchers studying more than 900 Japanese illustrated-book titles.
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Smithsonian STEM Program Expands to 40 Communities With $2.3 Million Gift
The three-year Caterpillar Foundation grant funds teacher development, classroom resources, an AI guide and sponsored participation for 24 schools.
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Smithsonian and TOPPAN Plan Virtual Peacock Room for Early 2027
The partnership will add animation and historical audio while expanding digital access to a collection whose founding objects cannot travel.
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Smithsonian’s ‘Voices and Votes’ Democracy Exhibit Runs Through Sept. 7
The Arts and Industries Building show brings a traveling civic-history exhibition back to Washington after stops in small communities across 25 states.
executive action
Trump orders agencies to pressure Smithsonian and install warning signs outside museum
The executive order directs federal officials to use available funding, contract and property authorities and calls for temporary signs on approaches to the National Museum of American History.
explainer
Who actually controls the Smithsonian?
The institution receives federal money and includes national officeholders on its board, but it is not a normal executive agency under direct presidential control.
news report
Three Yoshitomo Nara Sculptures Will Open the Hirshhorn’s New West Lawn Series
The garden is scheduled to reopen Oct. 31 with monumental heads enlarged from hand-shaped clay studies. A different artist will follow each year.