The Smithsonian Institution ( pronounced Smith-sone-ian ) is an educational and research institute and museum complex , administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment , contributions , and profits from its shops and its magazine . The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex , administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment , contributions , and profits from its retail operations , concessions , licensing activities , and magazines .