Smithsonian Associates Online Programs

Soaring spires, glittering stained-glass windows, and sculpted figures that seem to breathe with life—these are the hallmarks of Gothic art, a style that transformed cathedrals, churches, and civic spaces across medieval Europe. Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton, author of Art of the Middle Ages, explores this extraordinary period. Through architecture, sculpture, painting, and the decorative arts, Benton reveals the unrivaled richness and refinement of the Gothic era. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)

This expanded and updated series is designed to provide a tranquil midday break and let you create small but satisfying works of art as a way to pause and incorporate a bit of creativity into your at-home routines.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice contains a wealth of masterpieces of Venetian painting. The most notable piece in the collection, which is only rarely on display due to its fragile nature, is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. The collection also includes works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero showcases gems from this treasure trove. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

In 1996, historian Anthony Cohen embarked on an 8-week, 1,200-mile journey tracing the Underground Railroad from Maryland to Canada. Traveling by foot, boat, and rail across five states, he visited towns, safehouses, African American communities, and Quaker sanctuaries, documenting freedom stories through artifacts, documents, and oral accounts. In 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of his walk and the nation’s 250th celebration, Cohen retraces his trek, sharing memories, images, and aspirations for a renewed journey of remembrance.

Explore the basics of color theory, including temperature, value, and harmony-creating color schemes. In hands-on projects, learn to use a color wheel with tinting and toning, color charts, and color harmony studies.

Historian Siobhan Clarke examines what led up to the Russian Revolution and the violent deaths of the tsar, tsarina, and their five children. She considers how this tragedy might have been avoided by examining the traits of Nicholas as a ruler, the role of World War I on the revolution, and the impact of the Revolution on the Russian people.

Work with unglazed porcelain to create a modern interpretation of a classical mosaic inspired by motifs and subjects from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio surveys the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany, which boasted Florence's unparalleled artistic wealth alongside Siena, Pisa, and Lucca’s cultural treasures. Renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine and its prized wines, the region blends medieval charm, coastal beauty, and enduring culinary and viticultural traditions into Italy’s cultural heart. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

In this four-week class, students are introduced to materials and techniques for oil painting while laying a strong foundation for further artistic growth.

Andrew Knoll, paleontologist and geobiologist, argues that understanding Earth’s history requires both geology and biology. Over 4 billion years, Earth and life have co-shaped one another: rocks, water, and air cycle essential elements, regulating climate and atmosphere while enabling life’s diversification. By tracing these dynamic interactions, Knoll reveals how physical processes and biological evolution together made our planet habitable, sustaining the soil, air, and ecosystems that underpin the world we know today.