The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo--shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing resources with the world. The Smithsonian's vision is by 2022, the institution will build on it's unique strengths to engage and inspire more people where they are, with greater impact, while catalyzing critical conversation on issues affecting this nation and the world. This five year strategic plan launched in 2017 outlines the direction and priorities for the Smithsonian. Goals are detailed and include: (1) Be one Smithsonian; (2) Catalyze new conversations and address complex challenges; (3) Reach 1 billion people a year with a digital-first strategy; (4) Understand and impact 21st-century audiences; (5) Drive large, visionary, interdisciplinary research and scholarly projects; (6) Preserve natural and cultural heritage while optimizing assets; and (7) Provide a nimble, cost-effective and responsive administrative infrastructure. As the next five years are considered, and the future beyond, it is clear that he mission to promote "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" is more relevant than ever. By 2022 if the Smithsonian is successful in advancing this plan, the institution will be an even more powerful force. Though it's history extends nearly 200 years, this next stage of the Smithsonian institution may well be it's finest hour.