Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution, sometimes known as The Smithsonian, is the most well-known and well-liked museum in the world, taking the top spot in this list of the top 10 museums in the world in 2020. This museum is a collection of research institutes and museums run by the US government. The museum was established in 1846 and was dubbed the "nation's attic" since it had more than 154 million artifacts. Nine research institutes, 19 museums, 21 libraries, and even a zoo are run by the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is one of the top 10 most well-known museums in the world with a budget of USD 1.2 billion and over 30 million yearly visitors to all of its locations.

Important research institutions including the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Museum Conservation Institute, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Libraries, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (National Zoo), and others are part of the Smithsonian. These 168 institutions are referred to as Smithsonian Affiliated museums, and they are located in 39 states, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Long-term loans of artifact collections are granted to these museums. The Smithsonian Institution Touring Exhibition Service manages a sizable proportion of the institution's traveling exhibits (SITES). In 2008, 58 of these traveling exhibitions went to 510 venues across the country.

Detailed information:

• Founded: 1846
• Smithsonian Location: Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City
• Smithsonian Annual Budget: USD 1.2 billion
• Smithsonian Annual Visitors: 30 million