Smithsonian - tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Smithsonian

travel wonder in America

Why the

Smithsonian Institution

is special

The Smithsonian is the largest and one of the finest museum complexes in the world. It has 18 major museums, a national zoo, and a number of research centers. Collectively they annually attract over 20 million visitors.

Major venues

Below are the Smithsonian destinations that have proven to be of most interest to travelers. All are located in Washington, D.C. except for the Cooper-Hewitt, which is in New York City.

National Air
and Space Museum

This is the world's most popular museum, with 9 million visitors per year. The many must-see objects include the Wright Brothers' plane (see photo) that made the first manned-flight in 1903, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis plane that made the first solo trans-Atlantic journey in 1927, and the Apollo 11 command module that transported Neil Armstrong from earth to the moon in 1969. There is even a lunar rock you can touch.

National Museum

of Natural History

It is the Smithsonian's second most popular museum and ranks among the world's finest natural history museums. Don't miss exhibitions include the Dinosaur Hall, Mammal Hall, Insect Zoo, African Voices, and Hall of Geology. The last displays the celebrated "cursed" Hope Diamond.

The Smithsonian
world-class art museums

I list them alphabetically:

Cooper-Hewitt

National Design Museum

Showcases artistically designed contemporary products that have influenced daily life.

Freer Gallery of Art

19th to early 20th century American and Asian art.

Hirshorn Museum

and Sculpture Garden

Celebrates contemporary and modern art in a unique doughnut-shaped building.

National Museum

of American History

Focuses on the culture and lifestyles of the past. Its vast collection has earned it the "nation's attic" nickname. The Presidency exhibit is a highlight.

National Museum of

the American Indian

This is the Smithsonian's newest museum. It honors Native American culture and history.

Natural Portrait Gallery

Its walls are hung with paintings of famous Americans, including Washington.

National Zoological Park

The National Zoo, as it is widely called, has an array of animal species from around the world. Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the Giant Pandas (a Chinese gift) and the adorable cub named Tai Shan.

Smithsonian

tips & insights

Its full, official name is Smithsonian Institution. However, most people simply call it only by its first name.

Interestingly, America's foremost educational/cultural organization was initially funded by and named for an Englishman, James Smithson.

The Smithsonian belongs to and is run by the U.S. government.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will be the next major addition to the Smithsonian constellation.

Except for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, all Smithsonian museums have free admission (though certain special events and presentations are extra).

If a ticket is needed for a special event or presentation, buy it as soon as you enter the building. Tickets tend to go quickly.

Some people assume that eminent National Gallery of Arts (a Hillman Bronze Medal winner) is a Smithsonian museum. It's not. It is an affiliate.

American cuisine