Overview

• The Smithsonian said it will use prior-year funds to keep its 17 museums, the National Zoo and eight research centers open through the end of Saturday, Oct. 11.
• If the federal shutdown persists beyond that date, all Smithsonian locations will close beginning Sunday, Oct. 12.
• Roughly 62% of the Smithsonian’s budget comes from federal appropriations, so employees would go unpaid during closures while zoo animals continue to receive care and nonessential services like Animal Cams are paused.
• Senate leaders scheduled additional votes to reopen the government, with John Thune indicating another round would occur Monday if Friday’s efforts did not succeed.
• Other D.C. museums that do not depend on federal funding remain open with discounts or free entry for federal employees, and the National Gallery of Art announced it will close starting Oct. 5.