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Smithsonian Day

Celebrate Smithsonian Day with a virtual tour of the world-renowned museums and collections - explore history, science, art, and culture from the comfort of your home!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Smithsonian Day on September 17! This day was created to recognize the amazing contributions of the Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian has since grown to include 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers and over 140 million artifacts in its collection. Celebrate this special day by exploring one of their many exhibitions or galleries, learning something new about history or science or simply just appreciating all that the Smithsonian has to offer.

TIMELINE

Smithsonian Day Timeline

Smithson's Will

James Smithson, an English scientist, wrote his will leaving his wealth to the United States to create "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."

Establishment of the Smithsonian

The U.S. Congress established the Smithsonian Institution, an educational and research institute, funded by Smithson's bequest.

Smithsonian Castle Completion

The iconic red sandstone Smithsonian Castle, housing the institution's first secretary and exhibits, was completed.

First Natural History Museum

The National Museum of Natural History opened its doors as the first dedicated museum in the Smithsonian complex.

Air and Space Museum Opens

The National Air and Space Museum, one of the most visited museums worldwide, opened to the public.

Smithsonian Day Proclamation

President Ronald Reagan declared September 17 as Smithsonian Day, to honor the institution's extensive contributions to knowledge and culture.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Smithsonian Day

Visit a Smithsonian museum

Take a trip to your local Smithsonian museum and explore the exhibits. Check their websites to see what special events they are hosting for Smithsonian Day.

RESEARCH

Research a topic

Dive into the Smithsonian's extensive archives and research a topic that interests you. There are lots of interesting topics to explore.

LISTEN

Listen to a podcast

The Smithsonian's podcast channel is full of fascinating stories. Tune in and listen to something new.

WATCH

Watch a documentary

Find a Smithsonian Channel documentary and learn something new. From wildlife to history, there is something for everyone.

TAKE

Take a virtual tour

Explore the Smithsonian from the comfort of your own home with virtual tours. Visit the National Museum of Natural History or take a trip through the Air and Space Museum.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Smithsonian Day

Convenient and Accessible

In the modern digital age, celebrating Smithsonian Day is easier than ever! Thanks to virtual tours and podcasts offered by the institution, anyone can explore this world-renowned institution no matter where they live. It's a great opportunity to learn and explore, even if you can't visit in person.

Incredible Learning Adventure

Celebrating Smithsonian Day means embarking on an incredible learning adventure where you can explore history, science, art, and culture. Their vast collections take you from the depths of the ocean to the outer reaches of space, all from the comfort of your home!

Vast Variety of Topics

With 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and over 140 million artifacts, the Smithsonian offers vast breadth and depth of knowledge on a multitude of topics. No matter what your interests are, there’s always something fascinating to discover!