WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Institution and National Zoo have officially closed their doors to the public as the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, marking another blow to U.S. tourism and cultural landmarks that rely on federal funding.
The Smithsonian had remained open for 11 days after the shutdown began on October 1 by using leftover funds from the previous fiscal year. But as those reserves dried up, officials announced on social media that all 19 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo would now suspend operations until Congress reaches a funding agreement.
The closure means exhibits at iconic institutions like the National Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be temporarily off-limits. Even the National Zoo’s beloved panda cams, which livestream the park’s animals to millions of viewers, have gone dark.
Despite the shutdown, Smithsonian officials say all animals at the zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia will continue to receive full care from essential staff. “Our commitment to the safety of our staff and excellence in animal care will not change,” the Smithsonian said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact has also reached America’s national parks. Yosemite National Park, one of the most visited in the country, remains open but with limited services. Restrooms, trash collection, and visitor centers are operating with minimal staff, and park officials are urging guests to use caution, stay on marked trails, and pack out their trash.
In past shutdowns, overcrowding and waste management issues forced some parks to close entirely. This time, some state governments, including Arizona and Utah, are using local funds to keep popular parks like the Grand Canyon and Zion open.
But in Washington, the heart of the nation’s museums and cultural institutions has gone quiet. For millions of visitors hoping to see pandas, rockets, and priceless artifacts this week, the doors are closed, the lights are dim, and the nation waits for Congress to act.
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