A [Smithsonian](http://www.si.edu/) official said the complex is crumbling, and the museums and [National Zoo](http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm) need major repairs. The museum and zoo have been free for 160 years, but [Congressman Jim Moran](http://moran.house.gov/) has proposed charging a $1 admission fee to raise money to make some of the repairs.

[Read](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/29/AR2006032902544.html?nav=rss_artsandliving) (Washington Post)