Welcome to the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex,
encompassing 19 museums and galleries, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and
a zoological park. The Smithsonian holds approximately 154 million artifacts,
works of art, and specimens in its collections.
Founded on August 10, 1846, with funds from the bequest of British scientist
James Smithson, who left his estate to the United States to found an institution
"for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Today, the Smithsonian
employs approximately 6,300 people and is visited by approximately
30 million people annually.
Admission to all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo is FREE.
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Museums and Galleries
| Museum / Gallery |
Location |
Highlights |
| National Air and Space Museum |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 capsule |
| National Museum of Natural History |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Hope Diamond, dinosaur hall |
| National Museum of American History |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Star-Spangled Banner, pop culture |
| National Zoological Park |
Washington, DC (Rock Creek Park) |
Giant pandas, 2,000+ animals |
| National Portrait Gallery |
Washington, DC (Penn Quarter) |
Presidential portraits, Hall of Fame |
| Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Modern and contemporary art |
| National Museum of the American Indian |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Native cultures, artifacts |
| Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum |
New York, NY (Fifth Avenue) |
Applied arts and design |
| National Museum of African Art |
Washington, DC (The Mall) |
Sub-Saharan art and culture |
Research Centers
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Affiliated with Harvard University. Studies stars, galaxies, and the universe.
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Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Balboa, Panama
Leading research facility for tropical biology and ecology.
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National Museum of Natural History Research
Washington, DC
Biological diversity and anthropological research programs.
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Conservation and Research Center
Front Royal, Virginia
Wildlife breeding programs for endangered species.
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The Collections
The Smithsonian's collections span nearly every area of human knowledge and endeavor:
Natural History
► 126 million biological specimens
► 7 million anthropological objects
► 4.2 million library volumes
► The Hope Diamond (45.52 carats)
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Air & Space
► Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer
► Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis
► Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia
► SpaceShipOne (1st commercial spacecraft)
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American History
► Original Star-Spangled Banner
► Abraham Lincoln's hat
► Julia Child's kitchen
► Judy Garland's ruby slippers
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Art Collections
► American paintings, 1700s-present
► Freer Collection of Asian art
► Modern sculpture garden
► Presidential portraits since Washington
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Plan Your Visit
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Hours of Operation
Open daily: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed December 25
Extended summer hours subject to change. Call ahead.
Admission
FREE to all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo.
Contact Information
Smithsonian Information
SI Building, Room 153 (MRC 010)
Washington, D.C. 20560-0010
Phone: (202) 357-2700
TTY: (202) 357-1729
Fax: (202) 786-2377
E-Mail: info@info.si.edu
Getting There
Metro: Blue/Orange Line — Smithsonian Station (Mall exit)
Bus: Multiple Metrobus routes serve the Mall
Parking: Limited; public garages nearby
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Education Programs
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The Smithsonian offers extensive educational resources:
► Teacher Resource Center — free curriculum materials
► Smithsonian Associates — adult continuing education
► Research Fellowships — for graduate and postdoctoral scholars
► Internship Program — undergraduate and graduate students
► Resident Study Programs — specialized workshops
► Traveling Exhibition Service — exhibitions available nationwide
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Institution at a Glance
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Founded: August 10, 1846
Museums & Galleries: 19
Libraries: 21
Research Centers: 9
Total Artifacts: 154 million
Annual Visitors: ~30 million
Staff: ~6,300 employees
Volunteers: ~6,000
Secretary: I. Michael Heyman
Admission: FREE
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