Smithsonian museums and National Zoo close temporarily as government shutdown drags on

NBC NewsSunday, October 12, 2025 at 3:04:51 PM
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Smithsonian museums and National Zoo close temporarily as government shutdown drags on
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo have temporarily closed due to the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1. Although the Smithsonian Institution managed to stay open for 11 days using prior year funds, the prolonged shutdown has forced these cultural landmarks to shut their doors. This matters because these institutions play a crucial role in education and tourism, and their closure impacts both the local economy and the public's access to valuable resources.
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