Smithsonian Institution
#34 of 100 things to do in Washington DC
The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”, is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government. Wikipedia
Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm daily
Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004
Founded: 1846
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Founders: Joel Roberts Poinsett, Joseph Henry, James Smithson
Awards: Peabody Award
The world’s largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park, 9 research centers and more than 140 affiliate museums around the world.
Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day of the year except December 25.
Note: Additional Smithsonian exhibitions and events can be found in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that the Smithsonian Institution includes a number of outdoor museums. All have been designed to complement the museums they border and to enhance the overall museum experience.
From mid-April through September there are weekly garden tours available (weather permitting).
website: http://www.si.edu/
