The National Gallery of Art has announced a temporary closure of its facilities, with all scheduled programs canceled until further notice. The museum has not provided a specific reopening date, directing visitors to check back for updates on when normal operations will resume.
In contrast to the National Gallery's closure, the Smithsonian Institution has confirmed that its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will continue normal operations. According to an official update from the Smithsonian National Zoo, all Smithsonian facilities remained open and were scheduled to maintain regular hours through their normal closing time on Saturday, October 11.
The temporary closure of the National Gallery of Art affects one of Washington D.C.'s most prominent cultural institutions, which houses one of the world's finest collections of paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts. Visitors planning to attend events or view exhibitions at the National Gallery are advised to monitor the museum's official communications for reopening announcements.
The contrasting operational status between these major cultural institutions highlights the varying approaches taken by different museums during this period. While the National Gallery has opted for a complete temporary shutdown, the Smithsonian's network of museums continues to welcome visitors as scheduled.
