(The hill) – The Smithsonian Institute announced Saturday that its museums will be closing closed from Sunday than that Loss of state funding persists.
“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums will be temporarily closed beginning Sunday, October 12, as will our research centers and the National Zoo,” the organization said wrote on the social platform X. “We will update our operational status once the situation is resolved.”
“We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of any changes to our operational status,” the post continued. “Although our doors are closed, Smithsonian digital resources remain available at http://si.edu.”
The National Zoo posted a similar messagewhich raised questions among users about how the animals would be cared for during the shutdown.
“All animals at the zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, continue to receive feeding and care,” Smithsonian officials said replied. “A closure will not impact our commitment to the safety of our employees and quality standards in animal care.
A enormous portion, 62 percent, of the Smithsonian’s budget is assigned from the federal government. Although the closure began Oct. 1, the facility said it has enough funding to keep its facilities open through Oct. 11.
The organization operates 17 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, two museums in New York City and eight research centers – including one Astrophysical observatory at Harvard University and a Naval station in Fort Pierce, Florida.
With senators unable to break the deadlock in the last round Given the number of votes in favor of reopening the government, the shortfall in federal funding is expected to last into next week. All tours at the US Capitol, White House, FBI Headquarters, Supreme Court, Library of Congress and US Botanic Garden are included already suspended.
The museum closures come as the Smithsonian faces increased scrutiny of some of its educational exhibits from the Trump administration.
The White House a review started of the institute to ensure “alignment” with President Trump’s vision after the president accused museums of being too “woke” and concentrate too much At least about “how bad slavery was in the USA.” 20 exhibits were classified as questionable by the administration.
Several Federal authorities are also in front Reductions in force as the shutdown lasts until next week.
