Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, comprising 21 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and a zoo. It serves millions of visitors from around the globe. The Institution’s mission is to increase and diffuse knowledge through research, scholarship, and education, seeking to inspire curiosity and creativity. With a collection of over 154 million artifacts and specimens, the Smithsonian provides a vast tapestry of human history, culture, science, and art. Visitors can explore the complexities of the world through exhibitions focused on art, history, and science in its many museums, located primarily in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The Smithsonian seeks to make research and collections accessible to everyone, thus enhancing public understanding of history and culture. In addition to on-site visits, the Smithsonian also engages audiences digitally through online resources, educational programs, and engaging podcasts like Sidedoor, which share hidden stories not often found in its galleries. Individuals, families, and educators can access more than 5.1 million digital items through the Smithsonian Open Access initiative. By adapting to the needs of contemporary audiences, the Smithsonian continues to shine as a beacon of knowledge, bringing together subjects ranging from the arts to natural history, including themes of social justice, environmental challenges, and scientific breakthroughs.