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Smithsonian Closes Museums and National Zoo as Shutdown Enters Day 12

Carryover funds ran out after eleven days of the shutdown.

The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo will remain open through Saturday, October 11. However, if the shutdown continues beyond that date, they will close, starting the next day on October 12. (7News)
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WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: A man is turned away from entering the National Gallery of Art which has closed due to the government shutdown on October 06, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Qing Bao, a female giant panda, eats bamboo at the Smithsonian National Zoo on June 5, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Overview

  • All 21 Smithsonian museums, its research centers and the National Zoo are closed to the public starting Sunday, Oct. 12.
  • Zoo staff will continue feeding and caring for animals, but live Animal Cams, including the Giant Panda Cam, are turned off as nonessential services.
  • The institution sustained operations with prior‑year funds through Oct. 11 and relies on federal appropriations for about 62% of its budget.
  • Tours at the Capitol and White House are suspended, the National Archives and Library of Congress are closed, and many national park services are curtailed under contingency plans.
  • D.C. tourism leaders warn of significant losses for a sector that drew 27.2 million visitors and $11.4 billion last year if closures persist.