Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

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Flag of the Smithsonian Institution
Location within Central Washington, D.C. Show map of Central Washington, D.C. Location within Central Washington, D.C. Show map of the US
Established	August 10, 1846
Location	Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City
Coordinates	38°53′20″N 77°01′34″W / 38.889°N 77.026°W / 38.889; -77.026Coordinates: 38°53′20″N 77°01′34″W / 38.889°N 77.026°W / 38.889; -77.026
Director	David J. Skorton, Secretary of the Smithsonian
Website	www.si.edu

The Smithsonian Institution (/smɪθˈsoʊniən/ smith-SOE-nee-ən), established on August 10, 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge," is a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. Originally organized as the "United States National Museum," that name ceased to exist as an administrative entity in 1967.

Termed "the nation's attic" for its eclectic holdings of 154 million items, the Institution's nineteen museums, nine research centers, and zoo include historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in the District of Columbia. Additional facilities are located in Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York City, Pittsburgh, Texas, Virginia, and Panama. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates.

The Institution's thirty million annual visitors are admitted without charge. Its annual budget is around $1.2 billion with 2/3 coming from annual federal appropriations. Other funding comes from the Institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.