Smithsonian Institution’s 175th Anniversary
2021 marks the 175th anniversary of The Smithsonian Institution. Based in Washington, DC. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing resources with the world.
The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the 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.” The majority of museums are located in the US capital with additional facilities in Virginia, Maryland and New York.
The Smithsonian Institution will mark its 175th anniversary by tapping into the spirit of a world fair. Its original site, the Arts & Industries Building, will reopen to the public with FUTURES, an exhibit showcasing prototypes, robots, speculative fiction and new worlds, among other things. The family of museums will also incorporate the anniversary in other ways.