Smithsonian
D.C. museum complex
The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, comprising nineteen museums, galleries, and a zoo centered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1846 with funds bequeathed by British scientist James Smithson, it houses over 150 million artifacts and specimens.
We spent three days at the Smithsonian and barely scratched the surface.
Systematic knowledge seekers
- publicationsWorks issued to readers
- expeditionsOrganized journeys for exploration
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
taxonomy · ornithology · entomology · botany · zoology · geology · astrophysics · anthropology
Displays for viewing
- galleriesSpaces for displaying art
- artifactsHuman-made historical objects
- collectionsGathered groups of items
- curatorsCollection caretakers
docents · visitors · tours · dinosaurs · spacecraft · aircraft · fossils · minerals
Human-made historical objects
- specimensRepresentative items for examination
- archivesStored historical documents
- acquisitionsThings newly gained
- donationsGifts to organizations
bequests · catalog · preservation · restoration · storage · digitization · provenance · accession
Coded instructions for computers
- lecturesFormal instructional talks
- seminarsStructured educational discussions
- workshopsGroup learning sessions
- field tripsOrganized educational excursions
curriculum · outreach · camps · fellowships · internships · online learning · family activities · citizen science
Organization serving public good
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- CongressU.S. lawmaking body
federal · trust · affiliates · secretary · regents · administration · membership · branches
scientists
Systematic knowledge seekers
- publicationsWorks issued to readers
- expeditionsOrganized journeys for exploration
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
conservation · taxonomy · ornithology · entomology · botany · zoology · geology · astrophysics · anthropology · genetics
exhibits
Displays for viewing
- galleriesSpaces for displaying art
- artifactsHuman-made historical objects
- collectionsGathered groups of items
curators · docents · visitors · tours · dinosaurs · spacecraft · aircraft · fossils · minerals · butterflies
artifacts
Human-made historical objects
- specimensRepresentative items for examination
- archivesStored historical documents
- acquisitionsThings newly gained
donations · bequests · catalog · preservation · restoration · storage · digitization · provenance · accession · inventory
programs
Coded instructions for computers
- lecturesFormal instructional talks
- seminarsStructured educational discussions
- workshopsGroup learning sessions
field trips · curriculum · outreach · camps · fellowships · internships · online learning · family activities · citizen science
nonprofit
Organization serving public good
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
Congress · federal · trust · affiliates · secretary · regents · administration · membership · branches · Washington DC
- DC LandmarksWhite House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial
- History MuseumsBritish Museum, Louvre, natural history museums, war museums, heritage centers
- National MallWashington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, Jefferson Memorial, National Gallery
- American MuseumsMoMA, Whitney Museum, Guggenheim, National Gallery, Natural History Museum
- D.C. MuseumsNational Gallery
- nonprofit galleriesMoMA, Tate Modern, Guggenheim, National Gallery, Whitney Museum
Smithsonianprivate collection
Items owned, not exhibited
cabinet of curiosities · roadside attraction · personal archive
- Smithsonian InstitutionFederal museum complex, Washington
- Smithsonian museumsFederally funded American collections