The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Join us on a voyage of discovery. Explore our vast digital resources and learn online.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.

The Smithsonian Institution (/ s m ɪ θ ˈ s oʊ n i ə n / smith-SOH-nee-ən), or simply the Smithsonian, is a group of museums, education and research centers, created by the U.S. government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge".

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby, two are in New York City, and two more are in the works.

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, this world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. Explore and learn about everything from the origins of man and the future of flight to the history of art across multiple continents with more than 150 million objects, works of art and specimens to discover.

Mar 27, 2025 · WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday revealed his intention to force changes at the Smithsonian Institution with an executive order that targets funding for programs that advance “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology,” the latest step in a broadside against culture he deems too liberal.. Trump claimed there has been a “concerted and widespread” effort over ...

6 days ago · The "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" order removes "divisive, race-centered ideology" from Smithsonian museums, educational and research centers, and the National Zoo.

6 days ago · The Smithsonian Institution, a vast complex of research centers, museums and galleries, is the latest culture target of President Trump's executive orders.

6 days ago · The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It consists of 21 museums and the National Zoo. Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in ...

The Smithsonian Institution was created as a federal establishment, not part of the three branches of government, managed by a self-perpetuating Board of Regents. The Smithsonian Regents had to decide how to carry out Smithson's vague mandate and the broad legislation.