The
Smithsonian Institution was established in 1846 with funds
bequeathed to the United States by James Smithson. The
Institution is as an independent trust instrumentality of the
United States holding more than 140 million artifacts and
specimens in its trust for "the increase and diffusion of
knowledge". The Institution is also a center for research
dedicated to public education, national service, and
scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history.
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Smithsonian Attractions
Air
& Space Museum -
The
Air & Space Museum is one of the essential stops on a
visit to Washington D.C. It is the most visited museum in the
world for good reason, as exhibits like the Wright Brothers’
plane, the Apollo 11 command module and IMAX movies never fail
to captivate young and old alike.
Arts
& Industry Building - Site of James
Garfield’s inaugural Ball, the Arts and Industries Building
houses changing exhibits from other Smithsonian Museums as
well as its own collection of Victorian era machinery.
The
Freer Gallery of Art - The Freer Gallery of Art
is a member of the Smithsonian Family of Museums and
Galleries. It contains over 26,000 works of art from Japan,
China and the Far East.
The
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery -
The Hirshhorn Museum
houses the Smithsonian’s collection of modern and
contemporary art. The drum-shaped building is located next to
the Air and Space Museum and has a fascinating sculpture
garden across the street.
National
Postal Museum -
A
new member to the Smithsonian Family of Museums and Galleries,
the National Postal Museum chronicles the history of the U.S.
mail. Complete with interactive displays, models and over
55,000 stamps the National Postal Museum has activities for
visitors of all ages.
National
Museum of Natural History - The National Museum of
Natural History chronicles the development of man, animals and
nature from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include
fossils, a living coral reef and of course the Hope diamond.
Kids will love the writhing O. Orkin Insect Zoo.
National
Museum of American History - The National Museum of
American History helps the Smithsonian earn the nickname of
"the nation’s attic". One can view the mementos of
a nation ranging from the flag that inspired " The Star
Spangled Banner" to Fonzie’s leather jacket.
National
Museum of African Art -
The National Museum of African Art is a Smithsonian museum
dedicated to the art of sub-Saharan Africa. Located next to
the Castle on the National Mall, the National Museum of
African Art has over 7,000 artifacts in its collection.
Smithsonian
Institution Building
-
The
Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as the Castle,
is a Norman-style red sandstone building on the National Mall.
It is the first Smithsonian building ever built, and now
houses the Smithsonian Information Center.
The
Smithsonian Institution was established in 1846 with funds
bequeathed to the United States by James Smithson. The
Institution is as an independent trust instrumentality of the
United States holding more than 140 million artifacts and
specimens in its trust for "the increase and diffusion of
knowledge". The Institution is also a center for research
dedicated to public education, national service, and
scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history.
