What Does Smithsonian Institution Do?

Total employees6265
HeadquartersWashington
Founded

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. Established in 1846 with funds from James Smithson of England 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,' it is a U.S. government trust instrumentality, partly federally funded and partly supported by private donations, memberships, and retail revenues. Its collections are vast, spanning art, history, culture, and science, and it plays a crucial role in preserving American heritage and advancing global research.

Where Is Smithsonian Institution's Headquarters?

Smithsonian Institution officeSmithsonian Institution officeSmithsonian Institution officeSmithsonian Institution office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

Serves as the central administrative hub for the entire Smithsonian complex, housing the offices of the Secretary and other key leadership, as well as visitor information services and the Smithsonian Visitor Center.

Notable Features:

Distinctive Norman-style architecture (a mix of late Romanesque and early Gothic motifs) made of red Seneca sandstone. Features include turrets, towers, and a prominent central hall. It was the original home for all Smithsonian operations.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven environment focused on public service, education, research, and the preservation of collections. It combines academic rigor with public engagement, fostering a collaborative atmosphere among diverse professionals including curators, scientists, educators, and administrators.

HQ Significance:

The Castle is historically significant as the first Smithsonian building and a symbol of the institution's enduring mission. Its location on the National Mall places it at the center of American cultural and historical landmarks.

Values Reflected in HQ: The building's enduring presence and accessibility reflect the Smithsonian's commitment to the 'increase and diffusion of knowledge.' Its historical architecture speaks to a respect for heritage, learning, and longevity.

Location:

The Smithsonian Institution maintains a significant global presence beyond its museums in Washington D.C. and New York. This includes research centers like the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's collaborations worldwide. It engages in international partnerships for research, conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and educational programs, sending scholars and exhibitions abroad and hosting international fellows and researchers. Its vast collections and digital resources are accessed globally, fulfilling its mission for the 'increase and diffusion of knowledge' on an international scale.

Street Address:

1000 Jefferson Dr SW

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Smithsonian Institution Operate Around the World?

Washington, D.C., USA

Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Serves as a national and international hub for natural history education and research, attracting millions of visitors and collaborating with scientists globally. It plays a key role in public science literacy.

Panama City, Panama

Address: Roosevelt Avenue, Tupper Building - 401, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, República de Panamá

Serves as a critical research hub in the tropics, offering unique access to diverse ecosystems and facilitating international scientific collaboration on tropical studies, crucial for understanding global environmental change.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Address: 60 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138

A leading international center for astrophysical research and education, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe. Its location facilitates collaboration with Harvard University and other research institutions.

Buying Intent Signals for Smithsonian Institution

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Who's Leading Smithsonian Institution? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Smithsonian Institution' leadership includes:

Lonnie G. Bunch III - Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Meroë Park - Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer
Ellen Stofan - Under Secretary for Science and Research
Kevin Gover - Under Secretary for Museums and Culture

Who's Investing in Smithsonian Institution?

Smithsonian Institution has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

United States Government (Federal Appropriations)
Private Donors (individuals, foundations, corporations)
Endowment Income
Revenue-generating activities (retail, concessions, memberships)

What Leadership Changes Has Smithsonian Institution Seen Recently?

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Exits1

The Smithsonian Institution has seen key leadership appointments in the past year, particularly for its museums. These changes aim to strengthen curatorial vision and public engagement across the institution.

Departures

Chase F. Robinson, Chase F. Robinson stepped down as director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.

New Appointments:

Yao-Fen You, Yao-Fen You was announced as the incoming director for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, starting in Fall 2024.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used bySmithsonian Institution?

Discover the tools Smithsonian Institution uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Smithsonian Institution Email Formats and Examples

The Smithsonian Institution primarily uses the '@si.edu' domain for its email addresses. Common formats are based on employee names, typically combining the last name with the first initial or the full first name.

lastnameF@si.edu (e.g., SmithJ@si.edu) or lastnameFirstname@si.edu

Format

bunchl@si.edu

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Smithsonian Institution?

Smithsonian Institution News DeskJuly 9, 2024

Smithsonian Institution Names Yao-Fen You Director of the National Museum of Asian Art

Yao-Fen You has been appointed the new director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, effective in fall 2024. She has been serving as acting director and brings extensive curatorial and leadership experience to the role....more

Smithsonian Institution News DeskJune 27, 2024

Smithsonian Institution's Anacostia Community Museum To Reopen With New Exhibition 'A Bold and Beautiful Vision'

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum announced it will reopen to the public on July 13 with a new exhibition titled 'A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000,' after a period of renovation....more

AP NewsMay 2, 2024

Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History Receives $5 Million for Business Exhibition

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History received a $5 million donation from philanthropist David Rubenstein to support a new exhibition on American business. The exhibition aims to explore the history of innovation, enterprise, and the impact of business on American life....more

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