Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Research museum facility in Suitland, United States
The Smithsonian Museum Support Center contains five storage pods, each measuring the size of a three-story football field, housing millions of artifacts.
Established in 1983, this facility marked a revolutionary approach to museum collection preservation by centralizing conservation efforts for multiple Smithsonian institutions.
Scientists, researchers, and conservators work together in specialized laboratories to protect and study artifacts representing diverse aspects of natural and human history.
Visitors need advance appointments and valid photo identification to access the facility, which operates between 8:00 AM and 6:15 PM on weekdays.
The center maintains specific environmental controls at 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 45 percent humidity to ensure optimal preservation of its extensive collections.
Location: Prince George's County
Inception: 1983
Operator: Smithsonian
Website: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/msc
GPS coordinates: 38.84280,-76.93970
Latest update: November 6, 2025 23:10
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