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
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria

Thirteen Christians have been abducted by a militia group in Nigeria following a skirmish in Kogi State.

Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song
Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song

What do you do when you've retired from leading a church?

Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'

The university and students' union said the play was within the bounds of free speech laws.

Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged

A pro-life campaigner who silently prayed near an abortion clinic in Birmingham has been criminally charged.