Summary
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closing due to the ongoing 2025 government shutdown. The closure will start on October 12, affecting all Smithsonian sites, including its museums, research centers, and the zoo in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
- The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo will close on October 12 due to the government shutdown.
- This affects all 21 Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo.
- Despite closures, animals at the Zoo and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute will still be cared for.
- The zoo's animal cameras, considered nonessential, will be turned off during the shutdown.
- The Smithsonian gets about 62% of its budget from federal funding, allowing free entry to its locations.
- Prior-year funds kept the Smithsonian open for the first 11 days of the shutdown, but those funds are now used up.
- Other federal entities, like national parks, are also closing as part of the shutdown.
- About 4,200 federal employees face layoffs, with some already receiving notices.
