News Summary
The Smithsonian Institution’s museums and research centers, including the National Zoo, have closed to the public due to an ongoing government shutdown. Initially able to stay open with leftover funds, the institution announced an extension of its closure, affecting educational resources and visitor experiences. The future of reopening relies on congressional negotiations, which remain unresolved, impacting millions of visitors and essential services nationwide.
Washington D.C. – The Smithsonian Institution’s museums and research centers, including the National Zoo, closed to the public starting Sunday, October 12, due to the ongoing government shutdown. This closure follows the shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. Initially, the Smithsonian was able to remain open by utilizing leftover funds from the previous fiscal year. However, as funds ran out, the institution extended its closure, initially announced to last until October 6, to October 12.
About 62% of the Smithsonian’s funding comes from Congress, with the remainder sourced from private contributions and operational revenue. The Smithsonian is renowned for being the world’s largest museum and research complex, comprising 19 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo, which collectively attract millions of visitors each year.
Impact on Services and Visitors
Despite the closure of public access, the care and feeding of animals at the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia will continue, ensuring the well-being of the animals during this period. However, live animal cams, such as the popular Giant Panda Cam, will be non-operational, as federal staff are required to manage these services.
Visitor reactions have indicated disappointment upon discovering the closure of these significant tourist attractions on the National Mall. Visitors often rely on access to Smithsonian museums as key highlights of their trips to Washington, D.C.
Uncertain Path to Resolution
As of the latest reports, Congress has not reached an agreement to end the shutdown, leaving the path to reopening the government unclear. This ongoing budget impasse has led to an environment filled with uncertainty, affecting essential services and programs across various federal agencies.
Approximately 1.4 million federal employees have been affected, either being furloughed or working without pay due to the shutdown. The impact of the Smithsonian’s closure is indicative of the broader effects caused by the shutdown, which has also disrupted operations in national parks, federal employee pay structures, and various public services.
Background Context
The Smithsonian Institution serves as a critical hub for education and cultural engagement, showcasing various exhibits that reflect global history, art, and science. Its museums and research centers have been vital to both local communities and international visitors. The interruption caused by the shutdown not only affects thousands of visitors but also disrupts educational programs and community engagement initiatives that rely on these resources.
The potential for recovery and reopening hinges on congressional negotiations, which have yet to yield a resolution to the budgetary issues at hand. As the shutdown continues, the future of public access to the Smithsonian Institution and other federally funded agencies remains uncertain.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Smithsonian Institution
- Axios
- Google Search: Smithsonian Institution shutdown
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Smithsonian shutdown
- Time
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Smithsonian Institution
- UPI
- Google News: government shutdown
- WTOP
- New York Times
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
