Smithsonian temporarily closed due to government shutdown

(NBC, KYMA) - The Smithsonian is the latest tourist attraction to be impacted by the government shutdown.

The doors of all the Smithsonian's museums and National Zoo are temporarily closing to the public as funding starts to dry up.

In a post on X, the Smithsonian said its social media accounts aren't likely to be updated until there's a plan to re-open the federal government.

Initially, the zoo and museums were to remain open through October 6 by using leftover funds from the previous fiscal year, and then, the Smithsonian extended that window an extra five days.

But now, the temporary closure is imminent.

The Smithsonian, which spans 19 museums, 14 education and research centers and the National Zoo, is primarily funded by the federal government.

Despite the temporary closure, the animals at the zoo and at the Smithsonian's Conservation Center in Virginia will continue to be fed and cared for, according to a zoo spokesperson.