Smithsonian Institution

Why the Smithsonian Institution is special
The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. is the largest and one of the finest museum complexes in the world. It has 18 major museums, a national zoo, and a number of research centers. Collectively they annually attract over 20 million visitors.

Top 2 Smithsonian venues
These two venues (and those on the next page) are the Smithsonian destinations that have proven to be of most interest to travelers. All are located in Washington, D.C. except for the Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.

National Air and Space Museum
This is the world's most popular museum, with 9 million visitors per year. The many must-see objects include the Wright Brothers' plane (see photo) that made the first manned-flight in 1903, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis plane that made the first solo trans-Atlantic journey in 1927, and the Apollo 11 command module that transported Neil Armstrong from earth to the moon in 1969. There is even a lunar rock you can touch.

National Museum of Natural History
It is the Smithsonian's second most popular museum and ranks among the world's finest natural history museums. Don't miss exhibitions include the Dinosaur Hall, Mammal Hall, Insect Zoo, African Voices, and Hall of Geology. The last displays the celebrated "cursed" Hope Diamond.

Major Smithsonian venues
The Smithsonian world-class art museums
I list them alphabetically

• Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
  Showcases artistically designed contemporary products that have influenced daily life.
  
• Freer Gallery of Art
  19th to early 20th century American and Asian art.
• Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  Celebrates contemporary and modern art in a unique doughnut-shaped building.
• National Museum of American History
  Focuses on the culture and lifestyles of the past. Its vast collection has earned it the "nation's attic" nickname. The Presidency exhibit is a highlight.
• National Museum of the American Indian
  This is the Smithsonian's newest museum. It honors Native American culture and history.
• Natural Portrait Gallery
  Its walls are hung with paintings of famous Americans, including Washington.

National Zoological Park
The National Zoo, as it is widely called, has an array of animal species from around the world. Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the Giant Pandas (a Chinese gift) and the adorable cub named Tai Shan.

More Smithsonian tips and insights
Name
Interestingly, America's foremost educational/cultural organization was initially funded by and named for an Englishman, James Smithson.

The museum's full, official name is Smithsonian Institution. However, most people simply call it only by its first name.

Government owned
The Smithsonian belongs to and is run by the U.S. government.

Forthcoming
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will be the next major addition to the Smithsonian constellation.

Admission
Except for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, all Smithsonian museums have free admission (though certain special events and presentations are extra).

If a ticket is needed for a special event or presentation, buy it as soon as you enter the building. Tickets tend to go quickly.

Location in America