About the Smithsonian Institution

The Legacy Fund challenge deadline has passed...but we still need your support to ensure that the Smithsonian's incredible collections, exhibitions, and programs – as well as the buildings that house them – will survive for generations to come!

In our vast collections – so critical to research, education, and discovery – we safeguard objects too small to be seen by the naked eye and large enough to require an entire museum wing.

Artifacts rich in history, objects vital to scientific study, and art from periods throughout history combine to make the Smithsonian one of the world's most visited destinations.

Over the last 153 years, we have grown from one magnificent Castle building into a vast complex encompassing 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo.

Today, the Smithsonian is the trusted guardian of so much that America is proud of – and we remain free to the public so that all people will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with our history, heritage, and future.

Federal funds provide nearly 70% of the Smithsonian's overall budget. But Government funding alone can no longer provide for the ever-increasing upkeep of our buildings. For the first time in history, the U.S. Congress has challenged us to raise money to immediately address critically needed repairs.