MCP For Claude Marketplace
Smithsonian Open Access

Smithsonian Open Access MCP Connector for Claude

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Explore millions of museum records, images, and digital assets from the Smithsonian Institution's vast collections.

3 tools Official Updated Oct 1, 2026 Official Vinkius Partner
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Connect to the Smithsonian Open Access repository and bring millions of museum records, scientific data, and historical artifacts directly into your AI workspace. This server provides programmatic access to the Smithsonian's Enterprise Digital Asset Network (EDAN).

What you can do

  • Global Search — Query millions of records across all Smithsonian units using the search_records tool to find images, specimens, and artifacts.
  • Detailed Metadata — Use get_content to retrieve comprehensive descriptions, provenance, and digital asset links for specific museum objects.
  • Categorized Discovery — Narrow your research to specific fields like art, history, or science using the search_category tool for more precise results.
  • Research & Education — Instantly pull primary source data for academic research, educational content, or creative projects.

How it works

  1. Subscribe to this server
  2. Enter your Smithsonian API Key
  3. Start exploring the world's largest museum, education, and research complex through Claude, Cursor, or any MCP client

Who is this for?

  • Researchers & Academics — quickly gather metadata and primary source information for scholarly work
  • Educators — find high-quality museum records and images to enhance learning materials
  • Developers & Creatives — integrate authentic historical and scientific data into applications and digital experiences
museum-recordsdigital-assetshistorical-dataopen-dataarchival-researchcultural-heritage

3 tools expose this connector's capabilities to your AI agent.

get_content

Retrieve a specific museum record by its unique identifier

search_records

Search for museum records across all Smithsonian units

search_category

Search within specific categories or units

See how to talk to your AI agent using Smithsonian Open Access.

Search for records related to the Apollo 11 mission.

I've found several records for the Apollo 11 mission, including the Command Module 'Columbia', lunar samples, and commemorative medals. Would you like the details for any of these items?

Get the full details for the record with ID edanmdm:nmah_1313964.

I've retrieved the metadata for ID edanmdm:nmah_1313964. This record corresponds to the 'Star-Spangled Banner', the flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem, currently held at the National Museum of American History.

Search for 'impressionism' within the art category.

Searching for 'impressionism' in the art category... I found works by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and various French impressionist prints. Which artist or specific work should we explore?

Yes! Use the `search_records` tool with your query (e.g., 'Abraham Lincoln'). It will return matching records, images, and artifacts from across all Smithsonian units.

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