Smithsonian Summer Showdown

Most Seriously Amazing

We're pleased to announce the champion of the Smithsonian Summer Showdown, the MOST Seriously Amazing thing at the Smithsonian, is the National Zoo's Conservation Biology Institute, for raising endangered animal babies!

Smithsonian fans from all across the country cast more than 50,000 votes, narrowing our field from 28 contenders to one final winner. Thank you for helping us celebrate everything that makes the Smithsonian so seriously amazing.

Congratulations to the National Zoo!

Science
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
The Hope Diamond Smithsonian Women Scientists Raising Endangered Babies Event Horizon Telescope 3D Printable Lincoln Life Masks Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project North American Orchid Conservation Center
Raising Endangered Babies Event Horizon Telescope North American Orchid Conservation Center
Raising Endangered Babies
History
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
SR-71 A Broadsheet from Langston Hughes and Prentiss Taylor Places of Invention Interactive Map British Guiana One-Cent Magenta Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner papers Galileo's letter NMAAHC Building
SR-71 Galileo's letter NMAAHC Building
Galileo's letter
Culture
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
NMAI Building Day of the Dead Festival Q'eswachaka Bridge Community of Gardens LGBT experiences in Beyond Bollywood Heritage Month Education Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume
NMAI Building Community of Gardens Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume
NMAI Building
Art
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Cosmic Buddha Fantasy Coffins Theodore Roosevelt collection Film & Media Arts Initiative ArtLab+ Immersion Room Lead Belly
Fantasy Coffins Theodore Roosevelt collection Lead Belly
Lead Belly