About Us

Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Nearly 500 PhDs serve as scientists, researchers, historians, curators, and scholars for the Smithsonian. There are over 30 million visits to the Smithsonian annually. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million. Visit us at www.si.edu.