The Smithsonian Institution has received $40m from the Lilly Endowment for its upcoming celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the US’s founding in 2026. These will include exhibitions and events throughout the Smithsonian’s museums (and zoo), an expansion of the institution’s annual Folklife Festival, temporary public reopenings of the Arts and Industries Building (which has mostly been closed since 2004) and Smithsonian Castle, as well as digital and satellite programming.
“I am so pleased to build on the 15 years of support we have had from the Lilly Endowment,” Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III said in a statement. “Their generous grant activates our celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, enabling exciting programmes that will explore our American heritage. By taking this time to reflect on what it means to be an American, we can work together to create a more dynamic and better future for everyone.”
The Smithsonian expects 50 million people to visit the nation’s capital in celebration of the US semiquincentennial. Several of its museums will have their own anniversaries and significant events in 2026 as well—the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall will turn 50, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will celebrate its tenth anniversary and the Hirshhorn Museum will finally open its revamped Hiroshi Sugimoto-designed sculpture garden. This autumn, the Smithsonian also plans to launch a programme called Regional Collaboratives, which will work with organisations across the US to create localised programming for the anniversary.
The Lilly Endowment, founded in 1937 by the heirs of the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, has historically provided grants largely to community development, educational and Christian organisations. In 2024, among its largest grants have been $100m each to Purdue University, the United Negro College Fund and the National Park Foundation. The endowment has given the Smithsonian more than $105m since 2010, including for the NMAAHC, the National Museum of American History and the future National Museum of the American Latino.
