Smithsonian InstitutionThe Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson according to his wishes "under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Since its founding, te Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with nineteen museums, the National Zoo, and nine research facilities. Read More Read Less