About The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. It currently sees over 4 million visitors a year. It is free to visit and is directed by Kirk Johnson.
The Smithsonian Institution was established in 1846 by the U.S. government to increase and diffuse knowledge. It is not formally part of the government and is named after its founding donor, James Smithson. It currently holds over 157 million items.
Fun Facts:
- Originally called the United States National Museum, it was formally named the Smithsonian in 1967
- The Smithsonian Castle is the oldest building in the Museums history, being built in 1849 and completed in 1855.
- One key feature to the Smithsonian is that it is FREE to visit.
- Famous items kept at the museum include the Hope Diamond, Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat, The Wright Flyer, The Star Spangled Banner, Apollo 11's command module, Kermit the Frog, and the desk that the Declaration of Independence was created on.