Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art Reopen Doors After Historic 43-Day Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. welcomed back art lovers, families, and tourists this weekend as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art began a phased reopening following the longest U.S. government shutdown in history. The 43-day closure, triggered by congressional deadlock over the 2026 federal budget, ended late Wednesday, November 12, 2025, allowing the nation's cultural treasures to swing open their doors once again.

The shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, forced the closure of all 21 Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and the National Gallery of Art — institutions that collectively draw more than 30 million visitors annually and are free to the public. While privately funded sites like the International Spy Museum and the Phillips Collection stayed open, the National Mall felt unusually quiet for six weeks, costing the institutions millions in lost revenue and the D.C. economy an estimated $1 billion in tourism spending.

Reopening began on a rolling schedule to allow staff to restart systems, clean facilities, and ensure animal welfare at the National Zoo:

• Friday, November 14 → National Air and Space Museum (including the Udvar-Hazy Center), National Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art West Building & Sculpture Garden
• Saturday, November 15 → National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of African Art, National Zoo, National Gallery of Art East Building (with the delayed premiere of “The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art”)
• Monday, November 17 → All remaining Smithsonian venues fully operational, including the Cooper Hewitt in New York and the National Museum of the American Indian (both locations)

“We’re thrilled to be open,” a Smithsonian spokesperson told [The Washington Post. “Our staff have worked around the clock to make sure everything is ready. The animals at the Zoo are especially excited to see people again.” Visitors reported long lines on Friday morning, with many expressing relief at the return of free cultural access. One family told CNN they had postponed a school trip three times during the closure.

The shutdown’s impact was significant. The Smithsonian estimates it lost approximately $4–5 million in revenue from gift shops, food services, and IMAX screenings — figures consistent with the 2018–2019 shutdown. The National Gallery of Art, which relies heavily on federal funding, reported missing an estimated 334,000 visitors and $1.2 million in shop and café revenue.

Several highly anticipated exhibitions that were postponed or delayed will now proceed, including the National Gallery’s Indigenous Australian show and ongoing displays at the Hirshhorn and National Portrait Gallery.

D.C. tourism officials say the reopening comes just in time for the busy holiday season, with ZooLights and other winter programs expected to go ahead as planned.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: When did the government shutdown begin and end in 2025? A: It began October 1, 2025, and ended November 12, 2025 — lasting 43 days, the longest in U.S. history.

Q2: Are all Smithsonian museums open now? A: As of Monday, November 17, 2025, yes — all 21 museums, the National Zoo, and research facilities are fully open. Check si.edu for hours.

Q3: Is the National Gallery of Art fully open? A: Yes. The West Building and Sculpture Garden opened November 14; the East Building opened November 15. Normal hours (10 AM–5 PM) have resumed.

Q4: Do I need tickets or reservations? A: The National Museum of African American History and Culture still requires timed-entry passes. All other Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery are free walk-in.

Q5: Were any exhibitions canceled because of the shutdown? A: No exhibitions were canceled, though several openings were delayed by a week. “The Stars We Do Not See” at the National Gallery premiered November 15 as scheduled post-shutdown.

Q6: How much money did the shutdown cost the museums? A: The Smithsonian lost an estimated $4–5 million in revenue; the National Gallery of Art lost about $1.2 million — not including broader economic impact on D.C.