Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo Close Due to Govt. Shutdown

The Smithsonian Institution has announced the closure of all its museums and the National Zoo, effective Sunday, October 12, 2025. This decision marks an escalation in the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now entered its third week. The institution had initially remained operational for the first eleven days using prior-year funds, but these have now been exhausted.

Impact on Visitors and Local Economy

The Smithsonian, managing 21 museums across Washington D.C. and New York, along with the National Zoo and 14 research facilities, relies on congressional appropriations for approximately 53% of its $1.09 billion annual budget. The closure is expected to significantly affect tourism in the nation’s capital, as many Smithsonian institutions are among the most visited attractions. The National Air and Space Museum alone draws over eight million visitors annually, while the National Museum of African American History and Culture welcomed 1.6 million visitors last year.

Crowds were seen flocking to the National Zoo on Saturday for a final visit before the closure, and many tourists discovered the museums were shut upon arrival on Sunday. One Canadian visitor, Jeff Walsh, expressed disappointment, telling CNN, “It’s disappointing the government can shut down like this. It doesn’t happen like this in Canada.”

Essential Animal Care Continues

Despite the public closure of the museums and zoo, officials have assured that essential animal care will continue uninterrupted. A statement on the National Zoo’s website confirmed that “The animals will continue to be fed and cared for.” However, the zoo’s popular live animal cameras, which provide virtual viewing opportunities, have been taken offline as part of the shutdown measures. The Smithsonian has reassured the public via Instagram that “The shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care.”