The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo officially closed as the government shutdown enters its twelfth day. The museums were able to stay open through January 1, using prior-year funds.
They closed on January 2, including the panda cam.
However, there are still ways to enjoy the District while the Smithsonian museums are closed. The National Gallery will be closing on Thursday, as it was not open on January 1. Here’s where to go and what to do:
The National Building Museum
The National Building Museum, which currently has an exhibit on Baltimore’s movie history and an exhibit that gives insight into eviction, will remain open. Tickets are $7 for seniors, students and children and $10 for adults. However, during the shutdown, anyone with a government ID will be granted free admission.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Fans of fashion are sure to enjoy the Rodarte exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The museum will be free on Sunday, January 6 for its community day. It’s free every first Sunday of the month. Additionally, in honor of the Women’s March on January 19 and 20, the museum will be free again. All other times, tickets are $8 for seniors and students, free for visitors under 18, and $10 for adults.
Woodrow Wilson House
Federal workers with valid ID get free admission during the shutdown, valid Tuesday through Sunday.
Lincoln's Cottage
Federal employees with ID will get free admission.
Artechouse
Thanks to Destination DC’s #DCisOpen campaign, anyone can get 20% off of Artechouse tickets with the code dcisopen. That brings admission down from $15 to $12. The current interactive exhibit it called New Nature.
Newseum
Federal employees can get free admission by showing their federal ID at the admission desk. Tickets purchased online are subject to 15%, the Newseum announced Wednesday. An exhibit on the Civil Rights movement in 1968 is on display through January.
Georgetown GLOW
The public art installation is enjoying its final week and weekend before ending after January 6. Walk through Georgetown to see the displays, which includes one local D.C. artists. Maps are available throughout.
The Philips Collection
Nordic art is on display at The Philips Collection in DuPont Circle. The permanent galleries are free Tuesday through Friday. For ticketed exhibits or weekend visits, tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Visitors 18 and under can go for free.
While the National Zoo and museums are shuttered to the public, essential employees consisting mostly of maintenance and security personnel will provide care for the animals and exhibits, respectively.
Meanwhile, D.C. Public Works is assisting with maintaining the national parks normally maintained by federal employees by emptying trash bins twice a day. Capitol Hill BID is assisting, too, sweeping and cleaning local parks in the District every morning during the week.
