Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Close Doors as Government Shutdown Continues

The Smithsonian Institute confirmed their closure in a brief statement on Sunday.
Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Close Doors as Government Shutdown Continues
A sign with a notice of closure is pinned on the fence to the National Zoo in Washington on Oct. 12, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
|Updated:
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Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed their doors on Sunday because of the nearly two-week-long government shutdown, said the Smithsonian Institution on its website on Oct. 12.

In a brief message, the institution said that “due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are temporarily closed.” It then advised people to check the website at a later time for updates on reopening.
Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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