The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., has been closed to the public since Saturday evening, October 4, and will remain shuttered as the federal government shutdown continues indefinitely. The prestigious institution, which ranks as the seventh-most-visited art museum in the world according to The Art Newspaper's most recent global museum attendance survey, welcomed nearly 4 million visitors in 2024. The museum's closure stems from its heavy dependence on federal funding, as it receives the majority of its operating budget from the U.S. government.
In its congressional funding request for fiscal year 2025, the National Gallery of Art sought more than $215 million in federal appropriations. This substantial government dependency has left the museum vulnerable to shutdowns when Congress fails to pass spending bills, directly impacting millions of art enthusiasts who visit the nation's capital each year.
Meanwhile, the Smithsonian Institution, which operates 21 museums throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and New York City, as well as the National Zoo, announced it will keep all its facilities open through October 11. A statement on the institution's website warns: "If the government shutdown continues past October 11, the Smithsonian will close to the public." The Smithsonian receives approximately 53% of its total funding through congressional appropriations, which amounted to $1.09 billion in fiscal year 2024.
The Smithsonian has faced particular scrutiny since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, with the administration repeatedly targeting the institution's operations and programming. The current shutdown began on the morning of October 1, resulting in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed across dozens of government departments.
The shutdown's impact extends far beyond museums, affecting numerous National Park Service historic sites, which are either operating at severely reduced capacity or have closed entirely. According to a contingency plan released by the Department of the Interior, "As a general rule, if a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours (buildings, gated parking lots, etc.), it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown."
Political observers note that neither Republican nor Democratic leaders in Congress appear willing to compromise to end the current impasse. Adding to concerns about the shutdown's duration, White House representatives have indicated they are working with federal agencies to identify additional workers who could be laid off if the government closure continues.
Despite these closures, art enthusiasts visiting or living in Washington, D.C., still have numerous excellent alternatives to explore. The Phillips Collection, located near Dupont Circle, boasts a world-renowned permanent collection and recently opened a solo exhibition featuring local artist Rik Freeman at its satellite location in Southeast D.C. The exhibition runs until February 19, 2026, and the museum is offering discounted $10 admission to federal workers affected by the shutdown.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, situated just blocks from the White House, currently features a historic exhibition showcasing works by Dutch and Flemish masters from the 17th and 18th centuries, running until January 11, 2026. On the opposite side of the White House, visitors can explore the George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum, which house exceptional collections documenting Washington, D.C.'s rich history and the artistic evolution of textile craftsmanship.
Several other cultural institutions are stepping up to support federal workers during the shutdown. The National Building Museum is providing free admission to federal employees who present valid identification. The museum currently hosts "Coming Together: Reimagining America's Downtowns," an exhibition examining how American cities are reimagining their central business districts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's lasting effects on urban workspaces.
The Rubell Museum's Washington, D.C., location offers visitors two compelling exhibitions: a solo show by contemporary artist Basil Kincaid and a group exhibition that chronicles artists' innovative and inventive approaches to materials and mixed media.
Art lovers willing to venture beyond the city limits will find outstanding options in the surrounding suburbs. Glenstone, located in Maryland, houses one of the nation's most exceptional private contemporary art collections, featuring current installations by acclaimed artists including Alex Da Corte, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, and Charles Ray, among others.
In suburban Virginia, the Gillespie Gallery at George Mason University is hosting "Before the Americas," a significant exhibition that highlights the resilience of cultural programming despite political pressures. This show was originally scheduled to open at Washington, D.C.'s Art Museum of the Americas but was abruptly canceled amid the Trump administration's broader crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The exhibition features 45 powerful works by artists from the African diaspora throughout the Americas, offering visitors a unique perspective on pre-Columbian artistic traditions and their contemporary relevance.
