Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian Institution The Smithsonian Institution ( ), established on August 10, 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge," is a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. Originally organized as the "United States National Museum," that name ceased to exist as an administrative entity in 1967. Termed "the nation's attic" for its eclectic holdings of 154 million items, the Institution's nineteen museums, nine research centers, and zoo include historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in the District of Columbia. Additional
Smithsonian Theaters the dome (360 degrees) throughout the show. Certain days of the week, there is a free admission show known as "The Stars Tonight" in which the traditional planetarium equipment is utilized to give visitors a sky watching experience in the museum. Smithsonian Theaters Smithsonian Theaters is an operating unit of Smithsonian Enterprises, the revenue-generating business division for the Smithsonian Institution, United States. The unit operates three IMAX theaters and one Infiniti Digital Dome Planetarium, each presenting shows relevant to the museum in which it is located. The Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater is the flagship facility of Smithsonian Theaters, and is