News Summary
The Smithsonian Institution has temporarily closed its museums and the National Zoo due to the ongoing government shutdown that is now in its third week. This impacts 21 museums and multiple research centers, with the situation requiring federal resources to reopen. Digital resources remain available online, while the care of animals continues at the zoo. The shutdown has resulted in widespread furloughs of federal workers and has raised concerns over funding and revenue loss for the institution, historically reliant on federal appropriations.
Washington, D.C. – Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Temporarily Closed Due to Government Shutdown
The Smithsonian Institution has announced the temporary closure of its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo as the ongoing government shutdown enters its third week. The organization, which includes 21 museums and 14 education and research centers, stated that it would provide updates on its operating status once the situation is resolved, though it does not plan to communicate through social media during the shutdown.
Digital resources from the Smithsonian will remain accessible at si.edu, allowing the public to engage with its vast collection online. While the museums and zoo are closed, the care and feeding of all animals at the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue unaffected. However, the zoo’s live cameras have been turned off as they are considered non-essential and require federal resources to operate.
Impact of the Shutdown
The current government shutdown has led to widespread disruptions, affecting various federal agencies. Approximately 750,000 federal workers are furloughed, while hundreds of thousands more are working without pay. Alongside the Smithsonian closures, the White House has announced hundreds of layoffs across several agencies, including Commerce, Energy, and Education.
The Smithsonian Institution has previously faced criticism from the White House since Donald Trump took office, especially regarding claims of “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology.” In August, the former president criticized the Smithsonian, alleging that it was “OUT OF CONTROL” regarding its narratives on America’s past. Earlier in the year, discussions in the White House indicated plans to review the Smithsonian’s exhibitions to ensure they align with patriotic representations as the country approaches its 250th anniversary celebrations.
Funding and Revenue Loss
Approximately 62% of the Smithsonian’s funding, estimated at over $1 billion, comes from federal appropriations, which include annual congressional appropriations and federal grants. The impact of the current government shutdown could be severe; during the previous shutdown in 2019, Smithsonian museums lost an estimated 1 million visitors and $3.4 million in gross revenue due to similar closures.
As the shutdown continues, tourists are adjusting their plans as they find out about the closure of D.C.’s downtown attractions. The ongoing impasse in Congress, with Democrats and Republicans engaged in a blame game, has left the federal government without a funding agreement. As the situation unfolds, the Smithsonian will monitor developments and inform the public when it can safely resume operations.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution is renowned as the world’s largest museum and research complex. Including various museums and educational facilities, it aims to preserve the nation’s heritage through education and research. The ongoing closure represents a significant moment not just for the institution but also for cultural heritage conservation during challenging times in U.S. governance.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Smithsonian Institution
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Smithsonian shutdown
- The Washington Post
- Google Scholar: Smithsonian shutdown
- Fox 5 DC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Smithsonian Institution
- ABC News
- Google News: Smithsonian museums closed
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.
