EPA Closes Costly Museum After Fewer Than 2,000 Visitors in 10 Months

Administrator Lee Zeldin cites high operational costs and low public interest as the museum shuts down under federal cost-cutting measures.

The EPA museum, located near the National Mall, is closing after recording fewer than 2,000 external visitors in 10 months.
The museum cost $4 million to build and over $600,000 annually to operate, equating to a taxpayer cost of $315 per visitor.
Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the closure as part of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative to reduce federal spending by $1 trillion annually.
Critics argue the closure is largely symbolic, offering minimal financial impact while limiting public access to the EPA's history.
Supporters of the decision, including the Functional Government Initiative, praise it as a step toward refocusing the EPA on its core mission.