Abstract: Smithsonian Institution’s annual reports have centuries of history, which is rigorous and normative and can be used for reference by public cultural institutions in China. The paper takes the annual reports of Smithsonian Institution from 1846, when it was established, to 2019 as research subject, adopts content analysis, and carries out the research from four aspects, namely, compilation concept, constituent elements, statistical information and design format, so as to revealing the changes and development path. It is found that the annual reports gradually progress in three stages, with the compilation concept developing from “disclosure” to “marketing”, whereas more attention being paid to the public. The paper also sums up the experience of Smithsonian Institution and discusses the enlightenment brought to the related work of China: 1) persisting with compilation in long-term, ensuring open access; 2) promoting dynamic adjustment, exploring marketing function; and 3) saving core materials, constructing historical coordinate system.

Key words: Smithsonian Institution, Annual report, Public cultural institutions, The 14th Five-Year Plan Period