
How do we restore trust in our democracies? Museums can be a starting point
Trust in museums is on the rise. Here, people of different backgrounds, religions and ethnicities can engage with topics that are often contentious or taboo.
The Smithsonian Institution is a museum, education and research complex. Working in more than 140 countries, the Smithsonian bridges disciplines and borders, whether recovering endangered species, preserving cultural heritage or inspiring tomorrow’s scientists and leaders. It comprises the 19 national museums of the United States and National Zoo and research centres including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. It has 156 million objects in its collections and draws 30 million visits a year. The Smithsonian shares its extraordinary collections and research with learners everywhere – its STEM curricula has been used in 25 countries.