ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Smithsonian Opens Democracy Exhibition in Arts and Industries Building

exhibition · 2026-06-14

From June 16 to September 7, the Arts and Industries Building will host “Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America,” presented by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS). This exhibition delves into the 250-year history of the American democratic experiment, emphasizing the pursuit of “a more perfect union” by each generation. It highlights the evolution of democracy through significant events, including the American Revolution, the suffrage movement, civil rights advancements, and contemporary voting practices. Key themes include the foundations of U.S. democracy, the fight for voting rights, electoral processes, civic engagement, and citizenship duties. Attendees can expect a range of historical and modern photographs, videos, multimedia interactives, and artifacts like campaign materials and voter memorabilia.

Key facts

  • Exhibition runs June 16 to September 7, 2025
  • Venue: Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building
  • Organized by Museum on Main Street (MoMS)
  • Title: 'Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America'
  • Covers American Revolution, suffrage, civil rights, modern voting
  • Includes photographs, video, multimedia interactives, campaign materials, voter memorabilia
  • Focuses on 250-year history of U.S. democracy
  • Explores themes of voting rights, elections, civic participation

Entities

Institutions

Locations

  • Washington, D.C.
  • United States

Sources