Time travel Smithsonian Institution celebrates 175 years

A treasure chest for the curious, the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, with 19 museums and a National Zoo.

Visitors to America’s multi-museum masterpiece can learn about everything from the origins of man and the future of flight to the history of art across multiple continents through its 150 million objects, works of art and specimens.

The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”.

It has lead to remarkable leaps – saving species from extinction, preserving cultures and bringing new methods of digital learning to millions around the world.

Most of its institutions, such as the National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, are located in Washington, DC. The Steven F Udvar-Hazy Centre, which displays the Space Shuttle Discovery, Enola Gay and a Concorde in two large hangars, is in Virginia. All are free of charge to visitors.

As a centrepiece for its landmark anniversary, the historic Arts and Industries Building, America’s first National Museum, will temporarily reopen in November for the first time in nearly two decades for the debut exhibition Futures, the Smithsonian’s first major building-wide exploration of the future.

Fusing awe-inspiring art, technology, design and history, the groundbreaking new experience in the US capital will invite visitors to dream big and imagine many possible futures. si.edu