Washington DC Tour

Written by Sarah Worthy

The Smithsonian Institution is a collection of 18 museums, galleries, and gardens with affiliate relationships with 140 other museums and 9 research centers.  The Smithsonian is dedicated to the advancement of science and discovery as well as a continued understanding of the American history and culture.  With over 20 million visitors to its museums every year, the Smithsonian has had great success with its mission, particularly when you look at its surprising beginnings.

The Smithsonian Institution was founded when a British scientist’s nephew died without any heirs in 1835.  James Smithson had stipulated in his will that should his nephew die without heirs, then Smithson’s entire estate should be donated “to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”
This was an unexpected donation considering James Smithson had never been to visit the United States nor seemed to know anyone here.

Today, the collection of Smithsonian museums, galleries, and gardens located in Washington D.C. are:
  
· African Art Museum
· Air and Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center
· American Art Museum
· American History Museum
· American Indian Museum on the Mall
· Anacostia Museum (African American History and Culture)
· Freer and Sackler Galleries (Asian art)
· Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
· National Zoo
· Natural History Museum
· Portrait Gallery
· Postal Museum
· Renwick Gallery (American crafts)
· Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle (visitor information)

Admission is free and the museums are open everyday of the year except Christmas Day.