Here's what a shutdown means for Smithsonian museums, memorials and the zoo

"The Smithsonian Institution receives about 62% of its budget from the federal government, so its 21 museums and the National Zoo may face closure. That includes the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. But, depending on its reserves, the doors might stay open for a little while."

"The animals at the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia "will continue to be fed and cared for," according to the Zoo's website, but the popular webcams peeking into the daily lives of pandas, lions, elephants and naked mole-rats will be turned off. The Smithsonian says the cams "require federal resources, primarily staff, to run and broadcast.""

"Monuments and memorials Outdoor sites in Washington, D.C., such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be physically accessible to visitors, according to guidance from the National Park Service (NPS) in 2024. In a statement, the parks service told NPR it will post any updates to its website. Tours of important sites such as the U.S. Capitol and the FBI will likely be suspended. Members of Congress like Rep. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania are posting FAQs about what to expect during the shutdown, including information for visitors:"

Washington, D.C. museums, zoos and memorials often face closures during federal government shutdowns. The Smithsonian receives about 62% of its budget from the federal government, so its 21 museums and the National Zoo may close, though reserve funds can temporarily keep doors open. The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute will continue animal care, but webcams and other staff-dependent services will be suspended. Outdoor monuments such as the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are likely to remain physically accessible under NPS guidance, while indoor tours of sites like the U.S. Capitol and the FBI will likely be suspended. Agencies will post updates online and members of Congress may provide visitor FAQs.

Read at www.npr.org