What’s Open — and Closed — in Washington During the Shutdown

WASHINGTON — As the federal government shutdown begins, some of the city’s most famous institutions will keep their doors open, but others are shuttered until funding is restored.

For now, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will remain open at least through October 6. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is following the same timeline, though it will still close for a previously scheduled day on October 2. The Kennedy Center will keep performances on schedule, and Arlington National Cemetery will continue all burial services and ceremonies as planned, with guided bus tours unaffected.

Open-air memorials along the National Mall, including the Lincoln, Jefferson and World War II memorials, are expected to remain physically accessible to the public under National Park Service contingency plans.

But some of the capital’s most visited landmarks are closing their doors. The Library of Congress, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the National Archives will not be open to the public. Ford’s Theatre will stage performances as scheduled, but its museum portion will be closed.

A few destinations remain uncertain. The National Gallery of Art has not yet confirmed its status, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has not released updated information. In previous shutdowns, the bureau kept tours operating.

Many private museums in the city plan to remain open, such as: the Phillips Collection, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Mount Vernon, Glenstone, the National Building Museum, the Spy Museum, the Folger Shakespeare Library, Planet Word, the Museum of the Bible, the Capital Jewish Museum, the Kreeger Museum and the Rubell Museum.

Shutdown Status of Major Washington Attractions (as of Sept. 30, 2025)

• Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo — Open through at least Oct. 6
• National Gallery of Art — TBD
• National Mall Memorials — Open, outdoor access remains available
• Kennedy Center — Open, performances as scheduled
• Arlington National Cemetery — Open, all services and tours continue
• Holocaust Museum — Open through Oct. 6 (closed Oct. 2 for scheduled closure)
• Library of Congress — Closed
• U.S. Botanic Garden — Closed
• U.S. Capitol Visitor Center — Closed
• National Archives — Closed
• Ford’s Theatre — Performances as scheduled, museum closed
• Bureau of Engraving & Printing — TBD (historically remains open during shutdowns)

Private museums (not affected by shutdown):
Phillips Collection, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Mount Vernon, Glenstone, National Building Museum, Spy Museum, Folger Shakespeare Library, Planet Word, Museum of the Bible, Capital Jewish Museum, Kreeger Museum, Rubell Museum