13 Fun Facts About the Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is more than just the biggest collection of museums in the USA—it’s a treasure trove of history and culture.

The Institution lets you explore America’s history, art, science and culture. A visit at the Smithsonian Institution offers the opportunity to travel the globe without leaving Washington, D.C.

In this article, we’ll share 13 fun facts about the Smithsonian.

What is the Smithsonian Institution?

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, galleries, a national zoo and research centers. It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to be used in 1967.

The Smithsonian is based in Washington, D.C., and is funded by the U.S. government, private contributions and endowments. The Smithsonian collections include over 155 million artifacts and specimens, ranging from art and historical documents to scientific and cultural treasures.

The Institution was established in 1846 with funds donated by James Smithson, a British scientist, to increase and diffuse knowledge. Smithson’s remains are interred at the Smithsonian Castle (Smithsonian Institution Building, Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560).

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington.

What is the Smithsonian Institute?

Smithsonian Insititute is mistakenly used term to refer to the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is not an “institute” but a complex of museums and research organizations.

1. Admission to Smithsonian museums is free, most of the time

In Washington, D.C., all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo offer free admission. This is not the case for the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum located in New York.

2. The Smithsonian’s funding is a mix of federal and private sources

Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution operates as a trust instrumentality, receiving federal funding, private donations, and trust fund income. Its Fiscal Year 2024 budget was $1.09 billion.

While not formally part of any federal branch, it is overseen by a board with federal appointees. The current Chancellor is Chief Justice John Roberts.

3. The Smithsonian displays only 1% of its vast collection

The Smithsonian’s holdings include artifacts, works of art and scientific specimens. Of the 153 million items, only about 1% of the collection is on public display at any time.

>> Explore Exhibits and Museums Around the World

4. The original location of the National Zoo was on the National Mall near the Washington Monument

The National Zoo was relocated to its current site in Rock Creek Park in 1891 to provide a more natural habitat for the animals. It was initially part of the National Mall. Now located in Rock Creek Park, it remains a beloved free attraction.

5. Dorothy’s ruby slippers worn in The Wizard of Oz are housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are part of the Smithsonian’s collection. Judy Garland’s shoes are housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where they are preserved as a symbol of American film history.

6. The Smithsonian is home to one of the original teddy bears

The teddy bear is named after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, who, during a 1902 Mississippi hunting trip, refused to shoot a tied-up black bear, calling it unsportsmanlike.

A Brooklyn candy shop owner created a stuffed bear toy called “Teddy’s Bear,” inspired by the incident. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History now preserves a historic teddy bear in its collection.

7. The Smithsonian’s founder, James Smithson, discovered the mineral smithsonite

James Smithson was a British chemist and mineralogist who defined the mineral smithsonite and published extensively for the Royal Society.

Smithson was unmarried and childless. He left his estate to establish the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., should his nephew die without heirs, which occurred in 1835.

8. The Smithsonian hid its irreplaceable items in climate-controlled warehouses during World War II

The Smithsonian Museum curators secured the most valuable collections in undisclosed climate-controlled locations to protect them from possible bombings by the Axis Powers.

9. Smithsonian conducts research on tropical ecosystems in Panama

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama is the Smithsonian’s only bureau outside the United States. Since 1923, it has studied tropical ecosystems and their importance to human welfare. STRI is the Smithsonian’s only overseas location.

10. The Smithsonian has a group that studies the coasts

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a research and educational facility dedicated to studying coastal ecosystems and their interaction with human activities. SERC conducts interdisciplinary research, trains students and provides policy guidance to governmental and conservation organizations.

11. The Freer and Sackler Galleries house 45,000 works of Asian art

The National Museum of Asian Art is made up of the Smithsonian Institution’s two Asian art galleries: the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The two galleries share management, staff and a combined collection.

“Krishna and the Golden City of Dwarka, from the Harivamsha” is located in the Freer and Sackler Gallery in Washington.

In December 2021, the Smithsonian announced that the Sackler name would no longer be used, following discussions with the Sackler family amid public and institutional pressure around the opioid epidemic.

12. The Smithsonian has more than 200 affiliate museums

The Smithsonian partners with over 200 affiliates across Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Panama, ensuring its resources reach a wider audience.

13. The Smithsonian supports education through traveling exhibitions

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) brings exhibitions to hundreds of U.S. towns and cities as the Smithsonian’s outreach program.

List of Smithsonian Museums

References:

1. Smithsonian Institution: Smithsonian Institution Official Website
2. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Official Museum Page
3. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI): STRI Official Site
4. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC): SERC Official Website
5. Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES): SITES Official Page
6. Smithsonian Affiliations: Smithsonian Affiliations Program
7. National Zoo: Smithsonian National Zoo
8. Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art: National Museum of Asian Art