Some of Washington, DC’s greatest museums have closed their doors due to the ongoing government shutdown.
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On Sunday, October 12, the Smithsonian’s 21 museums in DC temporarily halted operations thanks to a lack of funds. The Smithsonian Institution was previously able to remain open thanks to additional funding, which has lasted since the shutdown began on October 1st.
Travelers heading to the DC area will not be able to visit any of the Smithsonian Institution museums, including the National Zoo, until the shutdown ends and vital funds and resources are flowing again. The same happened during the most recent government shutdown, which took place in late 2018 and into 2019.
Which Smithsonian Museums will remain closed until the shutdown ends?
The entire Smithsonian Complex has been shut down, meaning all 21 museums and the National Zoo are closed until further notice. (Fear not—zoo animals are still being cared for like usual!)
In addition to the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC (listed below), two New York City museums are also closed: American Indian Museum New York and Cooper Hewitt Design Museum.
The list of closed museums in Washington, DC includes:
- Museums on the National Mall: African American History and Culture Museum, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, American Indian Museum DC, Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum, African Art Museum, Asian Art Museum (East and West Buildings), Smithsonian Castle, Smithsonian Gardens, and Arts and Industry Building
- Museums near the National Mall: American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery, Renwick Gallery, and Postal Museum
- Museums in DC and nearby in Virginia: Anacostia Community Museum, National Zoo, and Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
