As of 2017, how many museums and galleries make up the United States' Smithsonian Institution?

The United States' Smithsonian Institution is made up of nineteen museums and galleries as well as the National Zoological Park. They are the most visible part of the institute. Among the Smithsonian's top holdings are: the National Air and Space Museum, the National Postal Museum, National Museum of American History, and now the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Eleven of the 19 Smithsonian museums and galleries are at the National Mall in Washington D.C., the open area national park in Washington, D.C running between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol, with the Washington Monument providing a division slightly west of the center. Five other Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are located elsewhere in Washington. Two more Smithsonian museums are located in New York City and one is located in Chantilly, Virginia.

The Smithsonian also has ties with 171 museums in 41 states, as well as Panama and Puerto Rico. These museums are known as Smithsonian Affiliates. Collections of artifacts are given to these museums in the form of long term loans from the Smithsonian. These loans are not the only Smithsonian exhibits outside the noted museums. The Smithsonian has a large number of traveling exhibitions. Each year more than 50 - 70 exhibitions travel to hundreds of cities and towns throughout the entire United States. Plus, around thirty million visitors (guests) will go to all of the museums and exhibitions every year free of charge.