The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s biggest museum complex and research groups consisting of a National Zoo, 9 Research Centers and 19 Museums and galleries. It is found at 10th St. and Constitution Ave, NW in Washington DC. No tickets are required to enter the Smithsonian and it is open daily except on December 25 until 7:30 pm for some holidays.
One of the most visited museums in the Smithsonian Institution complex is the National Museum of Natural History or the NMNH. It is devoted to encouraging interest, discovery and knowledge about the natural world through its matchless research, collected works, expositions, and education outreach programs. It was opened in 1910 and was among the first Smithsonian building built entirely to accommodate the national collected works and research facilities. Because of its research, collected works, learning and exhibition programs, the National Museum of Natural History functions as one of the world’s great depository of scientific and national legacy as well as a cause of enormous pride for all Americans.
The other museums and galleries at the Smithsonian Institution are the following:
• African American History and
Culture Museum
• African Art Museum
• Air and Space Museum
• Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
• American Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museum
• American Indian Museum Heye Center
• Anacostia Community Museum
• Arts and Industries Building
• Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
• Freer Gallery of Art
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• National Zoo
• Natural History Museum
• Portrait Gallery
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery
• Sackler Gallery
• Smithsonian Institution Building,
The Castle
Visitors of the Smithsonian Institution are astonished to know that the Institution also includes several outdoor museums that have been planned to set off the museums they fringe and to improve the total museum experience.
