What is closed in Washington DC today? [Full List]: Museums, Smithsonian, and more

United States Capitol ChristianToday

For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. Government began shutting down on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

The U.S. Congress remains divided over an agreement to fund President Obama's Obamacare health plan.

As of this morning, thousands of government workers began clearing their desks and have been ordered to leave work until further notice is given.

Not only will government workers be affected by the shutdown, but tourists visiting DC will not be able to visit the iconic monuments and museums.

The following are museums and venues that will be closed today:
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Smithsonian museums and galleries
National Gallery of Art
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Library of Congress
National Archives
National Mall and Memorial Parks

The following places will be open:
National Museum of Women in the Arts
International Spy Museum
Newseum
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
The Phillips Collection
Arlington National Cemetery
President Lincoln's Cottage
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Folger Shakespeare Library
Ford's Theatre
Eastern Market
The Howard Theatre
The Kennedy Center
Corcoran Gallery of Art
The Mansion on O Street
Madame Tussauds
National Building Museum
Tudor Place
The Crime Museum
National Geographic Museum

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.