Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian, is a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. It was founded on August 10, 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. 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.