Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded more than 175 years ago, it comprises 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. Admission to all Smithsonian museums in Washington is free.

The Institution was established with funds from James Smithson (1765–1829), a British scientist who left his estate to the United States to found "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." An Act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk on Aug. 10, 1846, established the Smithsonian as a trust administered by a Board of Regents — including the Chief Justice, the Vice President, members of the Senate and House, and nine citizens — and a Secretary of the Smithsonian.

Its research facilities include the Archives of American Art, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Museum Conservation Institute, the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Its collections are vast and historically significant, including the Hope Diamond, the Wright brothers' airplane, the original Star Spangled Banner, and some 140 million other items.

The Smithsonian's flagship website (si.edu) hosts Smithsonian Open Access, where users can download, share, and reuse images and data from across its museums, research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoo. This public digital reach makes innovation in collection access, education, and research particularly relevant to the Institution.