---
title: Smithsonian Institution
description: The world's largest museum, education, and research complex.
url: https://www.artsume.com/o/smithsonian-institution
type: organization
createdAt: "2026-09-06"
updatedAt: "2026-10-02"
organizationType: Museum
location: Washington, DC, United States
website: https://www.si.edu/
yearFounded: 1846
---

# Smithsonian Institution

*Museum • Washington, DC, United States*

## About

The world's largest museum, education, and research complex.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with stories, collections, and research spanning the arts, sciences, and humanities.

It operates 17 free museums and a zoo in the Washington, D.C. area, plus two additional museums in New York City, with programming organized around art and design, history and culture, science and nature, and technology and innovation.

The Smithsonian also produces the Sidedoor podcast, Smithsonian magazine, the Smithsonian Channel, and Smithsonian Journeys travel programs, extending its reach beyond its physical museums.

Its Friends of the Smithsonian membership program supports the institution's mission of sharing collections and research with the public.

## Details

- **Founded:** 1846
- **Address:** 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC
- **Website:** https://www.si.edu/
- **Social Media:** facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithsonian, instagram: https://instagram.com/smithsonian, linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smithsonian-institution, youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/smithsonian

## Programs

View current programs from Smithsonian Institution on Artsume: https://www.artsume.com/o/smithsonian-institution