The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smithsonian Institution? Where is it? Find the answers to all of your general questions about the Smithsonian.
James Smithson - Biography of the Founding Donor
Read a biography of James Smithson, the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution, learn about the life of the scientist and philanthropist who led to the establishment of the world’s largest museum and research complex.
Smithsonian Museums Map
See a map showing the locations of all of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC
Smithsonian Institution Photo Gallery
See pictures of all the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC.
A Guide to All of the Smithsonian Museums
Find out general information about all of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. See a list of museums on and off of the National Mall.
Restaurants and Dining Near the National Mall
Find recommendations for dining at the Smithsonian museums and other destinations near the National Mall in Washington, DC. From food courts to museum dining to street vendors, find out where to eat while sightseeing in downtown Washington, DC.
IMAX Movie Theaters in Washington, DC
Find information about IMAX Movie Theaters in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC.
Planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum
Tour the Universe at the Planetarium at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, see the Albert Einstein Planetarium in Washington, DC, a high tech digital simulation of the skies.
National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum
The National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum showcase a restored historic building in Washington, DC. Find everything you need to know about visiting these special art museums in Washington, DC.
Renwick Gallery
A branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery features unique works of art including clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood.
Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Institution Building, popularly known as the Castle, serves as the Smithsonian Information Center
Smithsonian Craft Show
The annual show exhibits the works of 120 exceptional craft artists in Washington, DC including basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood.
Smithsonian's Discovery Theater
The live theater geared towards children features classic stories and folktales, told through puppet shows, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians, and mimes.
Smithsonian Summer Camp in Washington, DC
Smithsonian Resident Associates sponsors full and half-day summer camp programs for children in grades K-8 guiding them in the exploration of Washington, DC’s Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and other regional sites.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Find information about the collection of modern and contemporary art, tours and special programs at this Smithsonian museum on the National Mall.
National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian museum, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, highlights the history of aircraft and spacecraft.
Photos of the National Air and Space Museum
Find photos of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, see pictures of airplanes and space shuttles at this important museum in Washington, DC
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The new museum in Washington DC will feature a variety of exhibits and educational programs on topics such as slavery, post-Civil War reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights movement.
National Museum of Natural History
See a guide to one of Washington, DC's best museums for families explores the history of nature and early man.
National Museum of American History
See a visitors guide to the Smithsonian's museum dedicated to preserving America's history
National Museum of the American Indian
The Smithsonian museum is dedicated to the history of Native American Indians.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport
Learn about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum located in Chantilly, Virginia.
Photos of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
See photos of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia
The National Zoo
Washington DC's premier zoological park offers family fun displaying a wide range of species of animals.
National Postal Museum
This Smithsonian museum displays the largest stamp collection in the world and examines the development of the postal system using interactive displays.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Smithsonian's art gallery features a unique collection that includes Chinese bronzes, jades, paintings and lacquerware, ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware, and sculpture from Asia.
Freer Gallery of Art
The art museum features a world-renowned collection of art from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, and the Near East that was donated to the Smithsonian by Charles Lag Freer, a wealthy 19th century industrialist.
National Museum of African Art
The Smithsonian museum has the largest publicly held collection of contemporary African art in the United States including more than 9,000 objects representing nearly every country in Africa dating from ancient to contemporary times.
Anacostia Community Museum
The Smithsonian Institution’s museum of African American history and culture offers exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures, film screenings and other special events.
Ripley Center
A part of the Smithsonian Institution, the building houses the Smithsonian International Gallery, Smithsonian Associates, the Smithsonian Discovery Theater and a small conference center and meeting rooms.
National Zoo Animals
The National Zoo in Washington DC exhibits 2,000 animals representing nearly 400 species. Learn about some of the most popular animals including Giant Pandas, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Western Lowland Gorillas, Bald Eagles and more.
Arts and Industries Building
The building is the second oldest of the Smithsonian Institution, built in 1881 to house collections when the Smithsonian Castle had outgrown its space.