Smithsonian to shutter Sunday as government shutdown continues

The Smithsonian Institution will close its doors Sunday as the government shutdown heads into its third week.

“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo,” the institution posted Friday on X. “We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved.”

It added, “We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status.”

The zoo wrote a similar message and responded to questions about the welfare of its animals.

“All the animals at the Zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue to be fed and cared for,” the facility wrote. “A shutdown will affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care.”

The Smithsonian Institution receives over 60% of its funding from the federal government. It used prior-year funds to remain open after the shutdown started Oct. 1. The institution originally said it would be open until Oct. 6, but extended the date.