"As the shutdown of the US federal government approaches its third week, the country's largest network of museums and research facilities, the Smithsonian Institution, has temporarily closed all of its doors. The closure came into effect at the end of the day on Saturday (11 October). The Smithsonian manages 21 museums around Washington, DC, and in New York, as well as the National Zoo and 14 research facilities."
"The Smithsonian group includes many of the most-visited institutions in the US capital, such as the National Air and Space Museum (which receives more than eight million visitors annually) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which had 1.6 million visitors last year, according to The Art Newspaper's most recent global survey of museum attendance. The Smithsonian receives around 53% of its overall funding (which totalled $1.09bn in fiscal year 2024) via appropriations determined by the US Congress."
The Smithsonian Institution closed all museums, the National Zoo, and research facilities at the end of 11 October as the federal government shutdown continued. The institution had relied on remaining funds from past fiscal years to remain open temporarily but exhausted that funding window and joined the National Gallery of Art in closing. High‑profile sites affected include the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Smithsonian received about 53% of its $1.09bn fiscal‑year 2024 funding from congressional appropriations. The institution has also faced White House pressure, compliance with an executive order on DEI, and a review of museum operations.
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