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Welcome. 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
Today, Friday, January 19, the following Smithsonian museums...
- Plan Your Visit
James Smithson, the founding donor of the Smithsonian,...
- Collections
The scope of objects in Smithsonian collections is...
- Shop
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is our nonprofit record...
- Current Exhibitions
The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration...
- Webcams
See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams...
- Learn
An academic interested in… Pursuing independent research in...
- Explore
We invite you to explore your interests, discover something...
- What's On
January 27, 2024 – April 28, 2024 Smithsonian Gardens...
- Support
The Smithsonian was built to serve the nation. In times like...
- Museums and Zoo
Smithsonian Institution. 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."
- 6,375 (as of 28 March 2020[update])
- Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian
- August 10, 1846; 177 years ago
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829 ...
- Your Guide to Accessibility at Smithsonian Museums. Read up on need-to-know info and before-you-go tips as you plan a vi...
- Your Guide to Visiting the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The inspiring new memorial dedicated to indigenous veterans is a bea...
- 6 Reasons Why You Must Visit the New Fossil Hall at the National Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the highly anticipated ‘Deep Time’ exhibit, an absolute m...
- Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Discover rich and essential African American history at this free Sm...
There are no Smithsonian Institution public parking facilities on the National Mall. There are a number of nearby commercial lots and garages which may have available parking. If you must drive, please see parking options. For additional information on bus parking, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202-426-6841.
5 days ago · Smithsonian Institution, research institution founded by the bequest of James Smithson, an English scientist.Smithson, who died in 1829, had stipulated in his will that should his nephew and heir himself die without issue, his remaining assets would pass to the United States and be used to found the Smithsonian Institution.