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![]() The Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as "the Castle", in Washington, D.C. | |
Established | August 10, 1846 |
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Location | Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City; Suitland, Maryland |
Chancellor | John Roberts |
Director | Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian |
Employees | 6,375 (as of March 28, 2020)[1] |
Website | www |
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."[2][3][4] Founded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality[5] and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government.[6] The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson.[7] It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967.[8]
The Smithsonian Institution has historical holdings of over 154 million items,[7]19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, a zoo, and historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in Washington, D.C.[9][4] Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 47 states,[note 1] Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates.[10][11] Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.
Almost all of the institution's 30 million annual visitors[12] are admitted without charge,[4] the exception being Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, which charges an admissions fee.[13] The Smithsonian's annual budget is around $1.25 billion, with two-thirds coming from annual federal appropriations.[14] Other funding comes from the institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue.[7] As of 2021,[update] the institution's endowment had a total value of about $5.4 billion.[15]
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