Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is a museum, education, and research complex based in the United States. It describes itself as the world’s largest of its kind, with museums, a zoo, research centers, cultural centers, and extensive collections. Founded in 1846 with a bequest from James Smithson, it still states its mission as the increase and diffusion of knowledge.

Visitors encounter that mission in exhibitions and public programs, while researchers use the collections to study science, history, art, and culture. The institution’s public role is to preserve heritage and share what it learns.