Who was the founder of the Smithsonian Institution?
Smithsonian Institution, research institution founded by the bequest of James Smithson, an English scientist.
Where is the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC?
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW Washington, DC See on Map Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where does the money for the Smithsonian come from?
The board administers the Smithsonian’s budget. Trust funds account for approximately a third of the institution’s operating costs; the remainder comes largely from annual congressional appropriations.
How many people visit the Smithsonian each year?
Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines. The Institution’s 30 million annual visitors are admitted without charge.
What did the Smithsonian do for Natural History?
The Smithsonian also maintained significant ethnographic and natural history collections, among them John Wesley Powell’s record of his research on Native Americans in Colorado, a diverse array of more than 4 million fossils, and the National Herbarium, which preserved 4.5 million plant specimens.
Are there any restrictions on visiting the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian reserves the right to modify its hours of operations, capacity, or visitor guidelines as circumstances require and to deny entry or access to any person who fails to follow these guidelines or whose conduct puts Smithsonian staff, visitors, or property at risk. Download Adobe Reader for PDF files at get.adobe.com/reader.
The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” We continue to honor this mission and invite you to join us in our quest.
What kind of research does the Smithsonian do?
The Smithsonian is one of the world’s foremost research centers in science, the arts, and the humanities. As a steward and ambassador of cultural connections, the Smithsonian’s work helps to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding of the diversity of American and world cultures.
Other funding comes from the Institution’s endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.
How many museums are there in the Smithsonian?
Learn about our beginning with James Smithson’s bequest to the people of the United States. The Smithsonian is home to 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian is one of the world’s foremost research centers in science, the arts, and the humanities.