The Smithsonian Institution has closed all its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo as the US government shutdown stretches into its third week. The Washington-based institution announced that while its doors remain shut, digital resources will stay available online. The closure follows a wave of federal furloughs and layoffs, signaling the deepening impact of the political deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over government funding.
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Smithsonian Issues Closure Notice
In a weekend statement, the Smithsonian confirmed the temporary shutdown of its facilities, citing the lapse in federal appropriations. “We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved,” the institution said. Officials added that social media activity would be limited to updates about reopening. Despite the closures, the Smithsonian assured the public that its extensive digital collections and virtual exhibits remain accessible at si.edu, providing continued engagement for visitors worldwide.
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Animal Care to Continue
The institution emphasized that the shutdown would not compromise the welfare of animals housed at the National Zoo or at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. “A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care,” the statement read. However, live animal cameras have gone dark since their operation requires federal staffing considered “non-essential” under shutdown rules.
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White House Tensions Rise
Since Donald Trump’s return to office, tensions between the White House and the Smithsonian have grown. The president has accused the institution of promoting what he calls “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology.” Writing on Truth Social in August, Trump said: “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been.” The criticism came as the administration announced plans to vet exhibits for “patriotic” content ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
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Funding and Federal Dependence
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian operates the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 21 museums and 14 research centers. About 62% of its more than $1bn annual budget is federally funded, including congressional appropriations and grants. The shutdown has cut off that funding stream, leaving thousands of employees in limbo and halting public operations across the capital’s premier cultural institutions.
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Shutdown’s Broader Impact
The Smithsonian’s closure comes amid escalating consequences of the federal shutdown, which has already led to hundreds of layoffs across agencies, including Commerce, Energy, and Education. Approximately 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed, while others continue to work without pay. The extended standoff has not only disrupted public services but also jeopardized tourism revenue and access to major cultural landmarks in Washington, DC.
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Lessons from the 2019 Shutdown
The Smithsonian previously endured major financial losses during the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted a record 35 days. According to the American Alliance of Museums, the closure then resulted in a loss of about 1 million visitors and $3.4 million in gross revenue. Officials fear a similar economic setback if the current standoff continues, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when visitor numbers typically surge.
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Political Blame Game Continues
As the shutdown enters its 13th day, Democrats and Republicans continue to exchange accusations over who is responsible for the funding failure. The White House maintains that congressional Democrats are blocking key spending measures, while Democrats accuse the administration of politicizing public institutions. Without a bipartisan agreement, much of Washington, including its most treasured museums, remains shuttered, leaving millions of Americans caught in the crossfire of political brinkmanship.