Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is a research and educational institute and museum complex located on Earth. Most of the Smithsonian's facilities are located in Washington, DC, but the Smithsonian also had facilities in New York City, Virginia, Panama, and elsewhere. The Smithsonian was initially administered by the United States Government, and was funded by an endowment, donations, and profits from associated gift shops and the institutes's publications.

The Smithsonian had many millions of items in its collection. By the 24th century, one of the most famous items located in the Smithsonian was the Phoenix - humanity's first warp capable vessel. Captain Jean-Luc Picard had once visited the Smithsonian and saw the Phoenix. (Star Trek: First Contact).