Beginning Sunday, October 12, all Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will temporarily close due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
In a statement, Smithsonian officials announced, “Due to the government shutdown, we are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with Smithsonian museums and research centers. We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status.”
Those with ticketed events are advised to check nationalzoo.si.edu for updates, while Smithsonian’s digital resources remain accessible online at si.edu.
Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo.
We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other… pic.twitter.com/qdWi8gSGmY
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) October 10, 2025
