21 amazing facts about the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC

With a total of 19 museums and the National Zoo under its umbrella, the Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex.

And it harbours a commensurate number of mysteries, secrets and amazing artefacts.

Scroll down for 21 incredible facts about the Washington institute, from its bizarre beginnings to some of the ultra-rare items in its collections.

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