Founded in 1846 with funds from Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829), the Smithsonian Institution was established to fulfill his vision of “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Today, it is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, comprising 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian aims to shape the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing its vast resources with the world.