Why the smithsonian is important

Which led folks to a lot of questions, like why does The Smithsonian need a billion dollars? It's a head-scratching proposition from Congress that has many Americans questioning the validity, legality, and intentions behind the second round of stimulus checks courtesy of the United States government. The economic destruction that was caused to families across America in the wake of the COVID pandemic is one that many major industries and businesses didn't feel, thanks to government bailouts.

Then there were businesses that became even richer during the pandemic. By , the Smithsonian will build on its unique strengths to engage and to inspire more people, where they are, with greater impact , while catalyzing critical conversation on issues affecting our nation and the world. Magnifying the Transformative Power of Arts and Design Every day, through our museum exhibitions and collections, research, and education and outreach programs, our staff explores the arts and their impact on our world.

We ask how artists are able to pose trenchant questions about the meaning of life, how the arts and design improve the lives of individuals and communities, how the arts have served and continue to serve as means for people and communities to express and share values and ideas, and how the creative process can help all people experience our shared humanity.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe We will continue to lead in the quest to understand the fundamental nature of the cosmos, using next-generation technologies to explore our own solar system, meteorites, the Earth's geological past and present, and the paleontological record of our planet.

Our collections represent our nation's rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world. The Smithsonian is a global organization actively involved in conserving biodiversity, priceless art, and much more. For more Smithsonian numbers visit the Smithsonian Metrics Dashboard. In September , Smithson's legacy, which amounted to more than , gold sovereigns, was delivered to the mint at Philadelphia.

Recoined in U. Polk on Aug. Since its founding, more than years ago, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums, the National Zoo, and nine research facilities.

Learn more about our history from Smithsonian Institution Archives ».