A federal government shutdown in 2025 has forced the closure of all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. The shutdown, combined with deep cuts to arts funding, deals a significant blow to the nation's cultural sector.
Sep 30, 2025
Source:
NHPR
Federal Shutdown Forces Widespread Closures
A federal government shutdown has forced the closure of major cultural institutions across the United States, leaving tourists and residents without access to some of the nation's most treasured sites.
The Smithsonian Institution, which receives approximately 62% of its budget from the federal government, has closed all 21 of its museums and the National Zoo. The National Gallery of Art has also shut its doors, furloughing staff and canceling events.
Key Institutions Affected
The Smithsonian Institution: All museums and the National Zoo are closed to the public. While animal care continues, public access is barred.
The National Gallery of Art: Operations have ceased, and staff have been sent home.
National Zoo Webcams: Popular online features like the animal livestreams have been suspended as they require federal staff for operation.
These closures are expected to cause a significant loss of tourism revenue. The 2018–2019 shutdown serves as a stark precedent, when the Smithsonian lost an estimated 1 million visitors and millions in revenue.
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the PR+ free daily newsletter
Source:
Connecticut Public
Sweeping Cuts to Arts and Public Media
The shutdown's effects are compounded by recent and sweeping policy shifts targeting federal arts funding, creating a dual crisis for the cultural sector.
The Trump administration has ordered deep cuts to several key organizations, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of public-supported arts and media in the U.S.
Major Funding Eliminated
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): The CPB, which has supported public media for nearly 60 years, announced it would cease operations after its funding was eliminated. This directly impacts NPR, PBS, and local stations nationwide.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): The NEA has also faced severe budget reductions, limiting its ability to provide grants to arts organizations.
New Grant Requirements Spark Controversy
Federal grants are now being withdrawn from arts organizations unless their work aligns with new government priorities. The administration is prioritizing art that provides “unifying, historically accurate and constructive descriptions,” a move critics argue amounts to censorship and ideological control over creative expression.
Read More
Source:
WHRO
