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The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Explore its vast digital resources, plan your visit, and discover featured collections and stories on art, history, science, and more.
- Museums and Zoo
ALERT: The National Museum of African American History and...
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The scope of objects in Smithsonian collections is...
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Learn more about Shop Online. The Pandas Are Coming! Get...
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Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 specimens. Explore a...
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- Museums and Zoo
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."
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 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.
17 Jul 2023 · Learn about the origins, mission and attractions of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex in Washington D.C. Discover its 17 museums and galleries, its collections of over 155 million objects, and its founder James Smithson.
20 Jul 1998 · Smithsonian Institution, research institution founded by the bequest of James Smithson, an English scientist who had stipulated in his will that if his heir died without issue, his remaining assets should be given to the United States for the ‘increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’
The Smithsonian Institution is bringing this story to life with the exhibition, featuring an immersive look at the harsh reality of travel for blacks in mid-century America and the vibrant parallel world of African American-friendly businesses that supported this travel.