Thank you first and foremost for visiting the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. If you have lost something that is important and treasured to you, this guide will assist us in trying to help.

The Smithsonian Lost and Found works diligently to identify, match, and helps to reunite lost property items as much as possible.

In order to match lost property to the owner, we need specific information such as date the item was lost, the museums visited, description, make, model, etc. Please click this “Lost Property Report Form” link to enter this information.

PLEASE NOTE: Finders may NOT make claims for unclaimed property or cash.

Lost items are kept for only a limited time.
Items are retained for approximately 30 days, at which point they are disposed of.