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Shutdown Shutters Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Economic Fallout and Visitor Alternatives
The shutdown's impact extends beyond museum walls, affecting thousands of workers, local economies, and the daily lives of communities that rely on these institutions.
Hardship for Workers and Community
Thousands of federal and contract employees have been furloughed, facing financial uncertainty without guaranteed back pay. The halt in operations also disrupts numerous educational and community programs that serve schools and local residents.
What Remains Open?
Despite the widespread closures, visitors can still access numerous cultural sites that do not rely on federal funding.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., remains open.
Private museums and galleries across the country are unaffected by the federal shutdown.
In New York, the recently reopened Frick Collection offers another high-profile alternative for art enthusiasts.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the websites of individual institutions for the most current information on their operating status before planning a visit.
Economic Fallout and Visitor Alternatives
The shutdown's impact extends beyond museum walls, affecting thousands of workers, local economies, and the daily lives of communities that rely on these institutions.
Hardship for Workers and Community
Thousands of federal and contract employees have been furloughed, facing financial uncertainty without guaranteed back pay. The halt in operations also disrupts numerous educational and community programs that serve schools and local residents.
What Remains Open?
Despite the widespread closures, visitors can still access numerous cultural sites that do not rely on federal funding.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., remains open.
Private museums and galleries across the country are unaffected by the federal shutdown.
In New York, the recently reopened Frick Collection offers another high-profile alternative for art enthusiasts.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the websites of individual institutions for the most current information on their operating status before planning a visit.
Economic Fallout and Visitor Alternatives
The shutdown's impact extends beyond museum walls, affecting thousands of workers, local economies, and the daily lives of communities that rely on these institutions.
Hardship for Workers and Community
Thousands of federal and contract employees have been furloughed, facing financial uncertainty without guaranteed back pay. The halt in operations also disrupts numerous educational and community programs that serve schools and local residents.
What Remains Open?
Despite the widespread closures, visitors can still access numerous cultural sites that do not rely on federal funding.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., remains open.
Private museums and galleries across the country are unaffected by the federal shutdown.
In New York, the recently reopened Frick Collection offers another high-profile alternative for art enthusiasts.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the websites of individual institutions for the most current information on their operating status before planning a visit.
How will the shutdown impact the daily lives of the animals at the National Zoo?
Essential staff will continue to feed and care for the animals to ensure their welfare. However, all public-facing activities, including the popular animal webcams, will be suspended because they require federally-funded staff to operate.
How will the shutdown impact the daily lives of the animals at the National Zoo?
Essential staff will continue to feed and care for the animals to ensure their welfare. However, all public-facing activities, including the popular animal webcams, will be suspended because they require federally-funded staff to operate.
How will the shutdown impact the daily lives of the animals at the National Zoo?
Essential staff will continue to feed and care for the animals to ensure their welfare. However, all public-facing activities, including the popular animal webcams, will be suspended because they require federally-funded staff to operate.
What are some alternative cultural institutions in Washington, D.C. that will remain open?
What are some alternative cultural institutions in Washington, D.C. that will remain open?
What are some alternative cultural institutions in Washington, D.C. that will remain open?
How have past government shutdowns affected the tourism industry in Washington, D.C.?
How have past government shutdowns affected the tourism industry in Washington, D.C.?
How have past government shutdowns affected the tourism industry in Washington, D.C.?
What specific programs will be halted at the Smithsonian museums during a shutdown?
What specific programs will be halted at the Smithsonian museums during a shutdown?
What specific programs will be halted at the Smithsonian museums during a shutdown?
How are local businesses in Washington, D.C. preparing for the potential shutdown?
How are local businesses in Washington, D.C. preparing for the potential shutdown?
How are local businesses in Washington, D.C. preparing for the potential shutdown?
