What a Smithsonian Magazine subscription includes
A Smithsonian Magazine subscription gives you access to the monthly print magazine delivered to your home, plus digital access to articles on the Smithsonian Magazine website. The print edition arrives roughly 10 times per year and covers history, science, nature, travel, and culture. The digital version lets you read current and past articles online anytime.
The subscription includes the full magazine — not a condensed version. You get all the feature stories, photography, and columns that appear in print. If you choose a digital-only subscription instead, you receive online access without the printed copies.
Smithsonian Magazine is published by the Smithsonian Institution, the same organization that runs the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. The magazine is independent from museum admission — a subscription does not include museum entry, and visiting a museum does not include a magazine subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Smithsonian Magazine subscriptions come in print, digital, or combined options, with different price points for each.
- You can start a subscription directly through the Smithsonian Magazine website or through third-party subscription services.
- Print subscriptions typically arrive 10 times per year, and you can manage your subscription online anytime.
- Gift subscriptions are available if you want to send a subscription to someone else.
- Subscription prices vary depending on whether you choose print only, digital only, or both together.
How to start a subscription on the Smithsonian Magazine website
Visit the Smithsonian Magazine website and look for the subscription section, usually found at the top or bottom of the homepage. Click on the subscription link and you will see options for print, digital, or print-plus-digital. Select the option you want.
Enter your mailing address for print delivery or your email address for digital access. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Then provide payment information — Smithsonian Magazine accepts major credit cards and some subscriptions may offer payment plan options.
After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email. Your first print issue typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks. Digital access usually begins when ready, so you can start reading online right away.
Subscription options and what each costs
Smithsonian Magazine offers three main subscription types: print only, digital only, and print-plus-digital. The price for each varies, and the magazine sometimes runs promotional rates that differ from the standard price. Prices also change periodically, so the cost you see today may not be the same next month.
Print-only subscriptions deliver the magazine to your home address. Digital-only subscriptions give you online access through the Smithsonian Magazine website and app. Print-plus-digital bundles include both the physical magazine and online access.
The magazine occasionally offers discounts for new subscribers or special rates during promotional periods. You can check the current pricing and any active offers directly on the Smithsonian Magazine website. Some third-party subscription services like Amazon Prime Reading or other digital platforms may also carry Smithsonian Magazine at different rates.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Once you have an active subscription, you can log into your account on the Smithsonian Magazine website to manage it. From your account dashboard, you can update your mailing address, change your email, or pause your subscription temporarily.
If you want to cancel, you can do so through your online account. Most subscriptions can be cancelled anytime, though the terms depend on whether you paid for the full year upfront or are on a monthly plan. Cancelling does not refund money already paid, but it stops future charges.
You can also contact Smithsonian Magazine customer service directly if you prefer to make changes by phone or email. The contact information is usually available on the website under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service."
Gift subscriptions and special offers
Smithsonian Magazine allows you to purchase a subscription as a gift for someone else. When you choose the gift option during checkout, you provide the recipient's name and address instead of your own. You can usually include a gift message that will be sent with the first issue or in a separate notification.
Gift subscriptions typically run for one year and can be set to start when ready or on a date you choose. The recipient will receive their first issue within 4 to 6 weeks of purchase. Some gift subscriptions come with a card or notification letting the recipient know who sent it.
The magazine periodically offers discounted rates on gift subscriptions, especially during holiday seasons. Check the website for current gift subscription pricing and any bundled offers.
What happens if you do not receive an issue
If your print magazine does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe, log into your account and check your subscription status. Make sure your mailing address is correct — an outdated or incomplete address is the most common reason for missed issues.
If your address is correct but you still have not received an issue, contact Smithsonian Magazine customer service. They can check the delivery status, resend a copy, or investigate whether the issue was lost in the mail. Keep your subscription confirmation email handy when you reach out — it contains your account number.
For digital subscriptions, if you cannot access articles online, try logging out and logging back in. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If the problem continues, contact customer service and they can reset your digital access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Smithsonian Magazine on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Digital subscribers can read articles on the Smithsonian Magazine website using any web browser. The magazine also has a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, which you can read and access with your subscription login.
What is the difference between a digital subscription and just reading free articles on the website?
Smithsonian Magazine publishes some articles for free on its website, but a digital subscription gives you access to the full archive of past issues and all current articles without limits. Free readers may encounter paywalls or article limits after reading a certain number per month.
Can I pause my subscription instead of cancelling it?
Yes. Most subscriptions allow you to pause for a set period — typically one to three months — without cancelling. When you pause, your subscription remains active but you will not be charged or receive new issues during that time. You can resume whenever you are ready.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?
Refund policies depend on how you paid. If you paid for a full year upfront, most subscriptions do not refund the unused portion. If you are on a monthly plan, cancelling stops future charges but does not refund the current month. Check your subscription terms or contact customer service for your specific situation.
Is there a student or senior discount for Smithsonian Magazine?
Smithsonian Magazine occasionally offers discounted rates for students and seniors, but availability and pricing vary. Check the subscription page for current offers, or contact customer service to ask about discounts you may be may be able to access for.