Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution, world's largest museum complex, known as the “nation's attic,” comprising 14 U.S. government-sponsored museums and the National Zoo. All of these are in Washington, D.C, except for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City, and hold perhaps 100 million artifacts illustrating both scientific and artistic culture. Founded with a bequest from James Smithson, the institution was established by Congress in 1846. The Smithsonian undertakes considerable scientific research, but is popularly known for its National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery, and National Museum of American Art. The institution is governed by a board of regents comprising the U.S. vice president and chief justice, 3 senators, 3 representatives, and 9 private citizens appointed by Congress.

See also: Smithson, James.