Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Close Amid Ongoing Federal Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — As the federal government shutdown enters its twelfth day, the Smithsonian Institution announced the closure of all its facilities, including 21 museums and the National Zoo, effective October 12, 2025. This decision reflects the ongoing budget standoff in Congress, which has direct consequences for cultural institutions across the country.

The closure comes after the Smithsonian, reliant on government funding for about 62% of its budget, exhausted its prior-year funds, which had allowed it to remain open for the first 11 days of the shutdown. A statement on the Smithsonian’s social media read, “We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status.”

Local vendors and businesses on the National Mall have also felt the impact. Dimitri Zalaf, owner of DC Food Wagon, expressed frustration, stating, “Where are the tourists? All those people, they already booked their flights.” This sudden loss of income has left many small business owners anxious.

Tourists with pre-planned visits rushed to experience the sites before the closures. Tim Machonga, visiting from Chicago for his son’s birthday, shared, “Planning took some time, but it all worked out…” Meanwhile, eight-year-old Molly from Florida managed a last-minute visit to the zoo, delighted to see the animals.

The Smithsonian’s communications provided reassurance regarding the zoo’s animals during the shutdown, clarifying that all creatures would be properly cared for despite the closure. “All the animals at the Zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute will continue to be fed and cared for,” the Smithsonian stated. However, popular zoo animal cams are turned off and deemed nonessential.

The broader ramifications of the shutdown extend beyond the Smithsonian, affecting national parks and other federal sites as well. As of October 10, thousands of federal employees were informed about potential layoffs, adding stress to families who depend on government salaries.

For now, the fate of the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo relies on Congress’s ability to reach a resolution. Until then, D.C.’s cultural institutions remain closed, and the vibrant heartbeat of the city is momentarily silenced, leaving visitors and locals hoping for swift action to restore normalcy.