The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex with 21 museums and the National Zoo.

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.

Learn about the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Free admission at all locations except the Cooper Hewitt in NYC.

Apr 1, 2023 · The Smithsonian Institution is a museum, education and research complex of 21 museums and the National Zoological Park, as well as research facilities. Admission to all Smithsonian museums in Washington is free.

Art, science, history, and culture meet at the Smithsonian in our collections and research centers. Artists and scientists use different ways of knowing to reveal and understand the world around us.

The Smithsonian not only explores U.S. history and culture to better understand what it means to be an American, but also examines, explains, and protects cultural heritage in the U.S. and around the world.

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.

Since its founding, more than 175 years ago, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums, the National Zoo, and nine research facilities. Learn more about our history from Smithsonian Institution Archives »

Resources and online exhibits on the history of the Smithsonian’s museums, research centers, and key events and people.

Featured classroom resources from across the Smithsonian that highlight relevant interdisciplinary content, concepts, and skills for grades PK–12+: Early Learning; Art and Design; Science and Nature; Social Studies and Civics; Information about planning a field trip; Virtual or in-person Smithsonian events; Professional development opportunities