Inspiring the Inventor in everyone

We empower people to solve problems, navigate challenges, and create real change in their lives and communities.

A woman in sneakers leaning back in an office chair

Who is this inventor?

Entrance to an exhibition

New exhibition now open

A family of three sits at a table and works on the Design a Shoe activity

Does play matter?

    We research the Inventions that make & change our world

    Explore Invention Stories
    Fellow Rachel Gross presents her research during a museum colloquium

    Lemelson Center Fellowship Program

    Applications for 2025-2026 are due by 15 October 2024 (11:59pm ET).

    Headshot of Arthur Molella

    Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship

    Applications for 2025–2026 are due by 15 October 2024 (11:59pm ET).

    Hedy Lamarr

    A Movie Star, Some Player Pianos, and Torpedoes

    Hedy Lamarr was dubbed the most beautiful woman in Hollywood, but she was more interested in inventing than in idle compliments.

    Prototype of the original Jogbra on a half-torso mannequin.

    Change Your Game

    Our new exhibition is now open at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

    • A baby holding a block in one hand lies on a table and looks up at Marion O’Brien Donovan

      Diversity in Invention

      To expand our knowledge of the full range of inventors, we have made it a priority to document and feature women and minority inventors from the past and present.

    • Chris Haslam skates the miniramp on a 1970s era board at Innoskate 2013 in DC.

      The Future of Sport

      Examine invention and innovation in a variety of sports through exhibits, public programs, blog posts, podcasts, and archival and object collecting opportunities.

    • A woman speaking at a podium. She is wearing a purple suit, a silver necklace, and a large brooch of a butterfly or moth.

      Places of Invention

      What kind of place stimulates creative minds and sparks a surge of invention and innovation?

    Two people working with blocks

    Inspiring Innovators of All Ages

    Check out our suite of resources on invention education designed to encourage innovative thinking, developed in-house by our team of Smithsonian educators.

    Invention in Education