The Smithsonian Institution has announced a $200 million commitment from Amazon.com executive chair and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos in support of the National Air and Space Museum.

The largest gift to the Smithsonian since the founding gift from James Smithson in 1846 includes $70 million to fund renovation of the museum and $130 million to launch an education center. To be housed in a facility to be built on the east side of the museum's plaza on the National Mall, the education center will feature programs and activities designed to inspire students to pursue innovation and explore careers in STEAM fields and to help teachers better utilize the Smithsonian's collections. The center will connect to all Smithsonian museums, coordinating STEAM-related collections and experts and promoting inquiry-based learning, with a focus on underresourced communities. The gift also will support a technological transformation of the museum's galleries and public spaces, including the creation of new interactive experiences.

"Almost a hundred and seventy-five years ago, Mr. Smithson's inaugural gift laid the groundwork for this innovative approach, bringing together private philanthropy and public funding," said Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch. "Today, as we emerge from a pivotal moment in history, Jeff's donation builds on that original tradition and will help us reimagine and transform the Smithsonian. This historic gift will help the Smithsonian achieve its goal of reaching every classroom in America by creating a world-class learning center with access and inspiration at its heart."

"The Smithsonian plays a vital role in igniting the imaginations of our future builders and dreamers," said Bezos. "Every child is born with great potential, and it's inspiration that unlocks that potential. My love affair with science, invention, and space did that for me, and I hope this gift does that for others."

(Photo credit: National Air and Space Museum)