Smithsonian Institution Operates 21 Museums and Holds Over 157 Million Items

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846 with funds from the will of British scientist James Smithson, now operates a network of nearly 700 facilities in eight U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Panama. The complex includes 21 museums, the National Zoo, 14 education and research centers, 21 libraries and partnerships with more than 200 affiliate institutions.

The organization’s collections total more than 157 million artifacts and specimens, of which roughly 99% are stored in archives, laboratories and warehouses for preservation and research. In a typical year, the Smithsonian welcomes over 30 million visitors to its physical sites, while its digital platforms and educational programs reach additional millions of users.

Annual operating costs exceed $1 billion. Through initiatives such as the Smithsonian Learning Lab and the Smithsonian Science Education Center, the institution provides free lesson plans, virtual field trips and professional development resources for teachers nationwide. It also collaborates with colleges on internships, fellowships and research projects that involve thousands of students each year.

"That shift from history to activism is clearly documented in this report. Anthea Hartig, NMAH’s director since 2019, has explicitly stated that she sees history as a ‘prime tool of social justice’ and one of her roles as connecting ‘research and scholarship to activism and advocacy,’" – White House report