Research Centers

Dedicated to collecting and preserving the papers and primary records of the visual arts in America.

The Museum Conservation Institute conducts in-depth studies of artistic, anthropological and historic objects using state-of-the-art analytical techniques to understand their provenance, composition and cultural context, and to improve our conservation techniques.

Advancing our knowledge and understanding of the universe through research and education in astronomy and astrophysics.

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) facilitates and promotes conservation biology programs at the National Zoo.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center leads the nation in discovering the links between land and water ecosystems in the coastal zone. Researchers investigate questions related to fisheries, climate change, invasive species, mercury pollution, water quality, ozone depletion, and more.

The Smithsonian Institution Archives collects, preserves, and makes available the records of the Smithsonian Institution.

Smithsonian Libraries is the most comprehensive museum library system in the world, supporting the vital research of the Smithsonian, as well as the work of scientists and scholars from around the world.

The Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce specializes in studies of the marine biodiversity and ecosystems of Florida.

Conducts basic research and outreach on the ecology, behavior, and evolution of tropical organisms and environments.