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The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. We are a community of learning and an opener of doors. Join us on a voyage of discovery. Explore our vast digital resources and learn online.
- Museums and Zoo
Admission. Admission is free of charge at all locations...
- Plan Your Visit
James Smithson, the founding donor of the Smithsonian,...
- Collections
The scope of objects in Smithsonian collections is...
- Shop
Learn more about Shop Online. The Pandas Are Coming! Get...
- Current Exhibitions
Smithsonian Institution. Site Navigation. Visit. Hours and...
- Webcams
See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams...
- Learn
Our museums, education, and research centers work at...
- Explore
We invite you to explore your interests, discover something...
- Get Involved
There are so many ways you can get involved in the mission...
- What's On
Our Shared Future: National Conversation on Race. Join us in...
- Museums and Zoo
The Smithsonian Institution (/ smɪθˈsoʊniən / smith-SOH-nee-ən), or simply the Smithsonian, is a group of museums, education and research centers, the largest such complex in the world, created by the U.S. government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.
- What Is The Smithsonian Institution?
- Museums Farther Than The Eye Can See
- Where Are The Smithsonian Museums?
- For The Adults
Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo. From the origins of man at the Natural History Museum to the future of space travel at the Air and Space Museum (and its even bigger sister facility, the Udvar-Hazy Cente...
Smithsonian’s collection of knowledge centers serve as a treasure chest for visitors. The aforementioned Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum are definitely fanned favorites. TheAmerican History Museum, with its endless array of Americana (read: the Star-Spangled Banner Flag), takes a comprehensive look at our country’s history, and the ...
Many of the museums are located on the National Mall and are easily accessible by Metro. In fact, the Smithsonian has its own Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines. There are others scattered throughout Washington, DC (the National Zoo in Woodley Park and the Postal Museum near Union Station), and even one in Virginia(at the Udvar-Hazy Center).
Kids aren't the only ones who love museums. The 21-and-up crowd get down with Smithsonian at 8, an after-hours party with varying themes and settings. Attendees revel in cocktails, live music, food and more, with exclusive access to some of the most adored museums in the world. Be there for its next event!
Since its founding, more than 175 years ago, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, the National Zoo, and nine research facilities. Learn more about our history from Smithsonian Institution Archives ».
Delve into the fascinating story of our planet, from its fiery beginnings through billions of years of transformation, and explore life on Earth through exhibitions and activities, collection objects and research that happens in the lab and in the field. EVERY OBJECT IN OUR COLLECTION HAS A STORY.
The Smithsonian Institution consists of world-class museums, galleries and a zoo in DC. Learn about everything from the origins of man to the future of flight.
