Smithsonian Institution
US group of museums and research centers / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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."[2][3][4] Founded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality[5] and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government.[6] The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson.[7] It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967.[8]
Established | August 10, 1846; 177 years ago (1846-08-10) |
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Location | Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City; Suitland, Maryland |
Chancellor | John Roberts |
Director | Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian |
Employees | 6,375 (as of March 28, 2020)[1] |
Website | www |
Called "the nation's attic"[9] for its eclectic holdings of 154 million items,[7] the institution's 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and zoo include historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in Washington, D.C.[10][4] Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states,[note 1] Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates.[11][12] Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.
Almost all of the institution's 30 million annual visitors[13] are admitted without charge,[4] the exception being Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, which charges an admissions fee.[14] The Smithsonian's annual budget is around $1.25 billion, with two-thirds coming from annual federal appropriations.[15] Other funding comes from the institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue.[7] As of 2021,[update] the institution's endowment had a total value of about $5.4 billion.[16]