The Smithsonian owns 17 museums within the Washington D.C area, in addition to the National Zoo. Since Oct. 12, all 21 of the Smithsonian museums nationwide and the zoo have been closed. Shown here, would-be visitors, as they learn that the doors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History are closed due to the shutdown. (AFRO Photo/ Alexis Taylor)

By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer

The Smithsonian Institution closed all 21 of its museums and the National Zoo in Washington D.C., on day 12 of the government shutdown. 

“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 wrote on their social media platforms.  “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.” 

Though the National Zoo is closed, Smithsonian officials have clarified that proper treatment all the animals in their care will continue.

A notice is posted to the doors of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (AFRO Photo/ Alexis Taylor)

“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. A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care,” said Smithsonian officials in a statement posted to their official website. 

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex according to its website, with 17 museums and a zoo in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2024 alone the institution hosted 16.8 million visitors. It is unclear when a funding deal will be reached, allowing the government shutdown to end and the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo to re-open. 

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