Welcome to the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo.
James Smithson's Gift
"I then bequeath the whole of my property...to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge..."
- James Smithson (1765-1829)
National Portrait Gallery- The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery tells the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped U.S. culture
American Art Museum- Introduce your students to the nation's art treasures in person! Your group will enjoy a self-guided visit that showcases paintings and sculptures, prints and photographs, and craft and decorative arts.
Air and Space Museum- The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. The Museum has two display facilities. The flagship building on the National Mall has hundreds of artifacts on display including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The new Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays many more artifacts including the Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird", Boeing B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" and Space Shuttle "Enterprise."
American History Museum- The National Museum of American History opened in 1964 and offers three floors of exhibitions that explore the rich diversity of American history, from "First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image" to "America on the Move." The museum has 750,000 square feet of space, including three main exhibition levels, workshops, laboratories, offices, libraries, archives, and other support areas along with an auditorium, bookstore and gift shops. The building's location on the National Mall, as well as its status as one of the last structures designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White, qualifies it as a category I National Historic Landmark.
Anacostia Museum- Photographs, documents, paintings, and historical and cultural objects exhibit African American experiences. This museum explores individual achievers, national political struggles, cultural trends and perspectives, and people's diverse efforts to preserve their communities.
Natural History Museum- The National Museum of Natural History is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. This fascinating facility houses the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils, an African Voices hall, Insect Zoo and the world's largest African bush elephant.
To learn more please visit:
www.si.edu