Smithsonian

The Smithsonian is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex. It's administrated and funded by the government of the United States of America as well as by its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines.

History
While most of its 19 museums, its zoo, and its nine research centers facilities are located in Washington D.C., sites are also located in Arizona, Maryland, New York City, Virginia, Panama, and elsewhere. The Smithsonian has over 136 million items in its collections, publishes two magazines named Smithsonian (monthly) and Air and Space (bimonthly), and employs the Smithsonian Police to protect visitors, staff, and the property of its museums. The Institution's current logo is a stylized sun. The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world, and many of its buildings are historical and architectural landmarks. In addition, 168 other museums are Smithsonian affiliates. The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge" from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson (1764–1829), who never visited the new nation.

The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. consists of groups of museums composed of the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian castle (main building), the National Arts Gallery Museum, Native American History Museum, and other types of American History museums in Washington D.C. It was given to the United States government by a British scientist James Smithsonian.

The Titan's Curse
Zoë Nightshade, Thalia, Bianca, Grover, and Percy go to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Atlas (The General), Luke and Dr. Thorn are also there, located across from the National Air and Space Museum in the National Scientific Museum formulating another plan to destroy the gods, which involves growing warriors from dragon's teeth and using them to chase Thalia. Percy kills the Nemean lion with a space food and receives its pelt (as a spoil of war), which saves him more than once from getting shot by the skeletons as it is impenetrable.

Trivia

 * Smithsonian Museum is where the film Night at the Museum 2 takes place