The Smithsonian Institution Offices are a collection of museums, research centers, and educational institutions. Founded in 1846, it is the largest complex of its kind in the world and is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Named after its founding donor, James Smithson, the Smithsonian operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of the federal government.
Often referred to as "the nation's attic," the Smithsonian houses an incredible collection of 154 million items, including historical artifacts, architectural landmarks, and various exhibits. It consists of 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and a zoo, with additional facilities located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. The Institution also has over 200 affiliated institutions and museums across the United States and beyond.
Visitors to the Smithsonian are treated to a diverse range of exhibits and experiences. Admission is free, attracting an average of 30 million visitors annually. The budget for the Institution is approximately $1.25 billion, with the majority coming from federal appropriations. Additional funding is generated through the Institution's endowment, private contributions, and various revenue streams.
Patrons describe their visits to the Smithsonian as phenomenal and one of the best museum experiences they've had. The facilities are well-maintained, and the exhibits cover a wide range of topics. Some visitors note that the museums can get crowded, especially during peak times, but the quality of the exhibits and the reasonable prices at the gift shops and food establishments make up for it.
The Smithsonian is praised for its dedication to research and education, with scientists and professionals working tirelessly to preserve and disseminate knowledge for future generations. Many visitors believe that this institution is a valuable resource that should be promoted by American embassies worldwide. They express gratitude for the unlimited opportunities to learn and grow provided by the Smithsonian.
Overall, the Smithsonian Institution Offices are seen as a must-visit destination for people of all ages. The vast amount of history, knowledge, and exhibits can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, visitors can make the most of their time and explore everything this extraordinary institution has to offer.
Address:
600 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington
Phone:
+1 202-633-1000
20.09.24
Alexandra
I used to come here as a kid all the time on field trips and stuff; it was amazing! All the history everywhere, the discoveries— *insert jeffersonian reference from bones* seriously, this place is the best; and I hold it with the upmost honor i.. Read more »n my heart.
11.08.24
Chou-Yi
The only old building behind the park.
24.06.24
James
2024 Folklife Festival showcased the Indigenous People of the Americas. Hula(Hawaiian Dance).
23.03.24
Jen
Although the Castle was closed, the outdoor gardens were open. Beautiful space and well tended. The area is safe and near to all the other Smithsonian museums.
Hoping to return one day when the Castle is open again and see James Smithson's tomb.. Read more »!
11.02.24
Meliha
I love it, free admission to museum lots of exhibitions, butterfly section Tuesdays are free admission and so much fun for adults and kids. Museum has little bit everything you can ask for.
06.08.23
Derek
We had a great time at this museum. Clean and modern!
27.07.23
Norm
More than half the air and space museum remains closed and inaccessible,even though the new space galleries have reopened. New exhibits are very tightly packed together ..font size on the displays make it very hard to read them and the place despite .. Read more »hourly advance acquired timed entry tickets is packed. Packed like can't move,packed like you will be waiting in queues to see displays. Not what I expected or hoped after the multi year renovation. Bait and switch.
17.06.23
Trà
Animal abuse is so cruel, this zoo should be bankrupt, I support the request to bring the pandas Tian Tian, Meixiang and Xiaoqiji back to China.
20.04.23
luisa
The fact that we ALL have access to this is mind-blowing. The best place to go. The work done by so many scientists and professionals is a gift to the future generations. Best experience. The world need to know more. The American embassies in the wor.. Read more »ld should promote this experience. Unlimited resources to learn and grow.
04.01.23
Natalee
This place is phenomenal, one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. Everything is very well taken care of, it’s FREE to go in and even the gift shop and food are reasonable and great quality. Wonderful day spent here.
31.12.22
GO-GO
What a wonderful place to visit for people of all ages..
It's just the same now as it was years ago..With the addition of some new attractions and restaurants and jewelry shop's its MAGNIFICENT!!! The Cafe is VERY VERY EXSPENSIVE!!! 🤯
11.12.22
Darrell
Definitely something that everyone deserves the chance to visit more than once!
03.12.22
Dale
I had the wonderful serendipity to be able to visit the nation's capitol when I was a little boy. This is one of the places I was fortunate enough to visit. The only larger repository of history and knowledge I know of is in Rome and Vatican c.. Read more »ity. The massive amount of artifacts, demonstrations, replicas, examples and information here would take you a life time to see all of. I suggest anyone going near DC to take the time to visit this place.
24.09.22
W
The Smithsonian museum, or simply the Smithsonian, is a group of museums and education and research centers, the largest such complex in the world, created by the U.S. Government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". Founded on Aug.. Read more »ust 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967.
Called "the nation's attic"for its eclectic holdings of 154 million items, the Institution's 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and zoo include historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in the District of Columbia. Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.
The Institution's 30 million annual visitors are admitted without charge. Its annual budget is around $1.25 billion, with two-thirds coming from annual federal appropriations. Other funding comes from the Institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue. As of 2021, the Institution's endowment had a total value of about $5.4 billion
11.09.22
neris
Incredible. So many exhibits. Be prepared with plan so you know what you want to see but wandering from one area to next is good too.
03.09.22
Alma
I visited the Botanical Gardens, the Native American and African American Museums in July 2022 and loved every moment. Surprised, informed, intrigued, saddened and inspired from viewing the various collections and exhibits.
07.06.22
Jaime
Great for the kids!Just recommend to come early and bring plenty of water!
20.05.22
Marcos
I went at this museum in 2009, in a trip with my job friends of Brazilian Air Force. That's a Very interesting place to visit. If you like the aviation and space vericles...
09.03.22
Daniel
I mean, you need like a month to see everything, there is just so much and it is all good and educational. Plan on at least a week here.
19.02.22
Jean
Free for kids under 2! Took our baby godson here and he loved it! There was even a nice area for children under 2 to play in. It had a boat and little jungle themed play area! We explored the whole place and the people there were very informative. Th.. Read more »ey showed even us a lion and leopard! I took off a star because the rainforest walk through closed off their canopy area for renovations this time we went. Perfect way to spend a couple hours on a rainy day! P.S. The earthquake exhibit and recreation was awesome and informative!
15.02.22
Flora
This is an amazing museum. You can spend the whole day here. The indoor rain forest is impressive. There are butterflies surrounding you and it's just like you're in a real rain forest. There're also many other sections. You can see di.. Read more »fferent types of animals, like jelly fish, various types of butterflies. This is also a white crocodile. In the ocean section, you get to touch sea cucumbers. There's also a cafeteria. You're not supposed to bring outside food in, so you can get food there if you want to eat. The prices are okay, but it's very crowded. It's a good place for adults and kids.
01.02.22
Janie
This place is very fun and educational for the kids (and adults). It's well spread out and a great amount of exhibitions of all sort of animals.
26.12.21
Gayle
What an excellent adventure it was to visit the Smithsonian Museums!
My only problem, was 5 days was not enough time for me.
I stayed in a nice hostel walking distance to the museums. A healthy walking distance. Did take a bus a few times.
Grateful t.. Read more »o everyone that works in all parts of each museum.
The hostel offered evening outings in DC, but walking all day I needed to rest when back to the hostel.
Favorites were the art museums and the New African American Museum.
25.12.21
E
great piece of history you can enjoy with friends and family
01.12.21
Jonathon
This museum is someplace I remember going on field trips for the day. The overall size is quite large to do in one session unless you stay on course. I love all the information they have available, and some interactive areas. The food is expensive, b.. Read more »ut what do you expect on dc. I find it’s more of an experience to get food outside from one of the local trucks(falafels are good). As many people have commented you may need to buy tickets ahead of time during the covid era.
23.08.21
K
HUNTERS FINGER PAINTINGS AND GOLD PLATED CRACKPIPE ARE PROMINENTLY ON DISPLAYED IN THE HISTORY AND CULTURE WING
16.08.21
FRANK
Shame you have to get a pass for this, it looks a lot prettier than the white house though!
07.08.21
K
HUNTERS FINGER PAINTINGS AND GOLD PLATED CRACKPIPE ARE PROMINENTLY ON DISPLAY IN THE HISTORY AND CULTURE WING
29.06.21
Michael
World class museums but extremely subpar mismanagement and handling of reopening. Don’t even waste your time trying to get a “timed” ticket for entry as they are impossible to get for most museums. First only a handful are released .. Read more »for each day a month prior. They offer “limited” tickets each day online at 11am but they are next to impossible to get. My wife and I have tried for several days during our stay in DC to get one. The technology behind their allocation system is broke. Two days in a row my wife and I simultaneously tried to follow the cumbersome instructions to get a ticket and we were both met with web page error codes and glitches that prevented our completing the ticket process. We were able to get tickets to the Air and Space museum with a last minute timed ticket and the museum was great however the reasoning behind the time tickets is fundamentally flawed and does little if anything to protect the patrons or employees from anything COVID related. They need to reopen completely and get rid of this timed ticket nonsense. For an institution staffed with the words best academics I would have expected a much better handling of this!
09.06.21
Charles
This is the first time our sons have visited DC (both LOVE history). Would've loved to visit the museums. Unfortunately all museums are limited attendance and no tickets were available. Not a good first time visit. :(
08.06.21
Timothy
After paying for these places my whole life, I am finally in DC and can't even visit. The passes are a joke and sold out instantly. Free passes are being sold online. They don't answer any of the phone numbers ever, and don't call ba.. Read more »ck when you enter your number. What a joke, I hope these places get their funding taken away asap. Pandemic is over in most of the country except here in DC.
16.05.21
realistic
hello this is one of the artist that knows the rope of devinche choices and i see its dangerous knowing those codes hopeful know one will get jealous like on crocodile dundee this is Realistic Lisa A. Nicknay Mearkadees
02.05.21
Steven
Great place! Everyone must visit it!!
30.04.21
Annie
A landmark with so much history. I love it. One of my favorite places in all of Washington DC.
30.03.21
Nniuq
Mom??,
Thank you?, for teaching me how to eat healthy and to recognize healthy ??? from ?unhealthy foods (even if I don't always choose the right?)!
Dad??,
Thanks for showing me how to research? the quality ? and ?value of a product be.. Read more »fore purchasing it? (even if sometimes I shop recklessly? when I know Costco has a lifetime warranty on most of their products ?)!!!
Government\Taxpayers ?\???????⚕️
Much gratitude for Stimulating? this, and many other, Monster?\?Beast ("And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"?)!
Sincerely?,
Quinn Jesse Harrison?\?Jesse Quinn Harrison
20.10.20
Ángel
A very good place to visit
20.10.20
Mia
identical to how we see it in the movies, I love the construction, we did not have access to the vaults as pernsamos but it is incredible
20.10.20
Emma.
just love the Smithsonian so much. As a kid , with the excitement of going on a field trip with your friends, you don't get to appreciate the museums for what they are until you're older. Coming back as an adult I was just amazing with all .. Read more »the history, documents, machinery, trinkets, art, and etc. that helped this country evolve. And to be able to visit each museum along the national mall for free was even better haha.
***If you're handicap note that the entrance is usually in a different location than the main, usually off to the side.
14.10.20
Perks
The Smithsonian Castle is one of the many Smithsonian buildings located on the Mall. It is fun to view with its unique architecture and the beautiful garden that surround the Castle. Often times tourists are more focused on the other Smithsonian Mu.. Read more »seums but this is a great one to relax or to eat outside nearby.
12.10.20
John
I just like the interesting exhibits.
18.09.20
Justice
The coolest muesum
05.09.20
Martin
One of the best and nicest museum I’ve ever been. Very interesting expositions and very educative.
11.02.20
Hopkin
Absolutely hands down the best museum I've ever been to. I feel like this is the sanctuary for world history, there is just so much to see!!
19.07.19
Cornelius
I brought my kids here for the first time. They loved it. We marveled at the gems and minerals. They also loved the dinosaur exhibits. I liked the astronomy exhibits, especially the information about the moon and the earth. Of course, every kid has t.. Read more »o see the gift shop. FYI: an Astronaut ice cream sandwich (freeze dried) will cost you $6. Is there Parking? Not close to the museum. In Washington D.C,, expect to do a lot of walking. This museum is very popular. Get there early to avoid the long lines.
4.3 / 116
