The Smithsonian has announced that all of its museums, research centres, public buildings and zoo will be open to the public as of today (17 November).
The institution closed its museums and other sites on 11 October amid a US federal government shutdown that started on 1 October.
This came as Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a spending plan for the new financial year.
The Smithsonian, a federal government entity, is now reopening its museums and facilities as the longest government shutdown in the history of the US comes to an end.
From Friday (14 November) through Sunday (16 November), the Smithsonian reopened the following locations:
- National Air and Space Museum and its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of African Art
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of Asian Art
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Zoo
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Smithsonian Gardens
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, overseeing 21 museums, education centres, research facilities, cultural centres, libraries and the National Zoo.
Smithsonian's National Zoo
It employs more than 6,000 people and nearly 4,000 volunteers, and in 2023, welcomed more than 18 million visitors.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration confirmed plans for a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian's exhibitions, materials and operations ahead of the US' 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
US President Donald Trump later criticised the nation's museums for being "woke", specifically targeting the Smithsonian Institution as "out of control".
Images courtesy of the Smithsonian
