Smithsonian Institution of Washington

 A complex of 16 museums, 10 laboratories and a zoo. In its many pavilions, which saved 140 million pieces, nearly 6,000 people work. The Smithsonian was founded in 1846 by English scientist Smithson in order to spread wisdom.


Europe's largest museum is the Louvre in Paris, which has an exhibition space of 60,600 m2 in which 35,000 works are exhibited. Madrid's Prado has in its funds with more than 9,000 pictures.

The crenellated architecture of the main building of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall has led to it is colloquially known as "The Castle". It was built by architect James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855. Many of the other buildings of the institution are historical and architectural landmarks. Detroit philanthropist Charles Lang Freer of donated his private collection to the gallery along with funds to build the museum, constituting one of the most important donations to the Smithsonian received from an individual.

Although the first secretary of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry, wanted to make the institution a center for scientific research, soon it became a repository of various government collections. The expedition that the United States Navy conducted circumnavigating the globe between 1838 and 1842 amassed thousands of animal specimens, an herbarium of 50,000 examples, shells and minerals, tropical birds, samples of seawater and ethnographic pieces from the South Pacific .

All these elements became part of the collection of the Smithsonian, as well as from military and civilian explorations in the American West; including the exploration of the border with Mexico and the Pacific railway line, which brought together Native American objects and specimens natural study.
Rules

Photography: It is forbidden to take photographs on display Star Spangled Banner (Flag twinkling stars) and documents in the gallery of Albert H. Small. the use of video cameras and flash cameras for non-commercial use in the rest of the exhibits unless a sign indicates otherwise allowed. the use of tripods inside the museum are not allowed unless permission granted by the Office of Public Affairs. Note that visitors can be filmed, photographed or recorded by Smithsonian staff for educational use and promotion including websites.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all buildings of the Smithsonian.

Pets: are not allowed except service animals.

Stroller: they are allowed.

Wheelchairs: are available.

Viandas: the museum does not offer a space to eat their meat or snack.

Lockers / storage: there is a limited number of lockers available. You can not leave bags or backpacks elsewhere in the museum.