What a Smithsonian Magazine subscription includes

A Smithsonian Magazine subscription delivers the print magazine to your home 10 times per year, plus online access to articles, videos, and the full archive of past issues. The magazine covers history, science, nature, travel, and culture — each issue runs roughly 100 pages. You also receive member discounts at Smithsonian Institution museums and shops, though the discount percentage varies by membership tier.

The subscription itself is separate from a Smithsonian Institution membership, though some people hold both. A magazine-only subscription does not grant you free museum entry or the full range of member benefits. If museum access matters to you, you would need to purchase a membership separately through the Smithsonian Institution website.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard subscription costs between $30 and $40 per year depending on whether you choose print only or print plus digital access.
  • The magazine arrives 10 times per year and includes access to the online archive of past issues.
  • You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time through your account on the Smithsonian Magazine website.
  • Student and teacher discounts are available at a lower rate if you have a valid school email address.
  • Gift subscriptions can be purchased for others and typically begin with the next available issue.

Subscription pricing and payment options

Standard annual subscriptions run approximately $30 to $40 per year for print delivery in the United States. Exact pricing changes seasonally and may differ based on promotional offers. Digital-only subscriptions (online access without print) cost less, usually in the $15 to $20 range per year. International print subscriptions cost more due to shipping.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Subscriptions renew automatically on your anniversary date unless you cancel beforehand. You will receive a reminder email before renewal, and you can manage your subscription settings through your online account at any time.

How to start a subscription

Visit the Smithsonian Magazine website and locate the subscription section. You will enter your mailing address, email, and payment information. The site will ask whether you want print only, digital only, or both. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation email with your account details and a customer service number.

Your first issue typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks. Digital access begins immediately after your order is confirmed, so you can start reading online right away. If you are ordering as a gift, you can specify when the subscription should begin and add a gift message that will be included with the first issue.

Student and teacher discounts

Smithsonian Magazine offers reduced rates for students and teachers. You will need a valid school email address (ending in .edu or your school's domain) to verify your status. The discount typically reduces the annual rate by 25 to 30 percent, though the exact amount varies with current promotions.

To claim a student or teacher discount, select that option during checkout and enter your school email. The site will send a verification link to that email address. Once you confirm, the discounted rate applies to your subscription and to any renewals, as long as your school email remains active.

Managing your subscription online

Log into your account on the Smithsonian Magazine website to view your subscription status, renewal date, and payment method. From your account dashboard, you can update your mailing address, change your email, or modify your payment information. You can also pause your subscription for up to three months if you want to temporarily stop delivery without canceling entirely.

If you want to cancel, you can do so through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you will receive any remaining issues you have already paid for. Customer service can also handle changes by phone if you prefer not to use the website.

Digital access and the online archive

All subscriptions include access to Smithsonian Magazine's website, where you can read current articles, watch videos, and browse the archive of past issues going back several years. You log in with the email address and password you created during checkout. Digital access works on computers, tablets, and phones through a web browser — there is no separate app required.

The archive lets you search by topic, author, or date. You can bookmark articles, save them to a reading list, or share links with others. Digital access continues for as long as your subscription is active; if you cancel, you lose access to the subscriber-only portions of the website, though some content remains free to read.

Gift subscriptions and how they work

You can purchase a gift subscription for someone else through the Smithsonian Magazine website. Select the gift option during checkout and enter the recipient's name and mailing address. You will pay for the subscription using your own payment method, and the recipient will receive a gift announcement with the first issue.

Gift subscriptions are typically one year long and begin with the next available issue after your order is processed. The recipient does not need to do anything to activate it — the magazine will simply start arriving. If you want to include a personal message, you can add one during checkout and it will be printed on the gift announcement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my subscription from print to digital only or vice versa?

Yes. Log into your account and go to subscription settings to change your delivery method. The change takes effect at your next renewal date. If you want it to start sooner, contact customer service and they can process the change immediately for you.

What happens if an issue does not arrive?

Contact customer service with your subscription number and the issue you are missing. They will investigate the delivery and either resend the issue or credit your account. Keep the customer service number from your confirmation email or find it on the Smithsonian Magazine website.

Can I give a subscription as a gift if the person already subscribes?

Yes, but the two subscriptions will not combine. The gift subscription will run on its own schedule. If you want to extend an existing subscription instead, contact customer service with the subscriber's account number and they can add time to the current subscription.

Do I get museum discounts with just a magazine subscription?

Magazine subscriptions include some discounts at Smithsonian shops and select locations, but not free museum entry. For full membership benefits including museum entry, you would need to purchase a separate Smithsonian Institution membership through their website.

Can I pause my subscription temporarily?

Yes. You can pause for up to three months through your account settings. During the pause, you will not be charged and no issues will be sent. After the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically on your next billing date.