The Smithsonian Museums are a group of museums and research institutions located in Washington, D.C.. They are part of the Smithsonian Institution, which was established in 1846. The museums cover a wide range of topics, including art, history, science, and culture, and they collectively house millions of artifacts and specimens. There are 19 museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum. Admission to most of these museums is free, making them accessible to everyone. The Smithsonian also includes the National Zoo, which is dedicated to animal conservation and education.