As the government shutdown continues with what seems like no end in sight, more Washington, D.C., attractions are closing as they run out of federal funds to keep their doors open to the public.

The Smithsonian Institution museums and National Zoo are set to close on Sunday if the shutdown continues into its second weekend. However, some places are keeping their doors open regardless of the federal funding lapse, like the Kennedy Center.

Here’s what to know.

What’s still open?

The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center remains open thanks to its charitable trust, which they use to cover its performing arts and educational programs. The performing arts center is not allowed to use its congressionally appropriated funds for these purposes, so the shutdown does not impact them. The security and maintenance personnel will be limited to the necessary amount to protect the building, patrons, life, and property, according to its shutdown contingency plan.

“In the event of a government shutdown, the Kennedy Center will continue its non-appropriated functions and honor all non-appropriated fund contracts, including planned performances, educational activities, public trust functions (such as box office, retail, and parking operations), and employment activities for its public trust employees,” The Kennedy Center’s website reads.

National monuments, Arlington National Cemetery

Outdoor attractions like the Arlington National Cemetery and National Mall and Washington, D.C., monuments will remain accessible to the public, but certain features like bathrooms and ranger stations may be closed.

The Arlington National Cemetery will stay open, but “the Arlington House – to include its gift shop and restrooms – and the Air Force Memorial are closed,” because of the lapse in congressionally-appropriated funding, according to its website.

Outdoor monuments like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial will remain open, with the exception of their bathrooms and accompanying indoor facilities, according to Axios. The inside of the Washington Monument will be closed, and so will its tours to the top, according to NBC4.

MOST NATIONAL PARKS TO REMAIN OPEN DURING SHUTDOWN, BUT WITH LIMITED STAFFING

Each federal memorial on National Park Service grounds is subject to the Department of the Interior’s guidelines, which vary depending on the needs of the park. “National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable,” the NPS website reads.

What’s closing?

All Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo will be closed to the public on Sunday.

“Our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are open today and will remain open through Saturday, October 11. If the government shutdown continues past October 11, Smithsonian locations will be closed starting Sunday, October 12,” the Smithsonian website reads.

The animals at the zoo “will continue to be fed and cared for,” but the “Animal Cam” broadcasts, including the famous Panda Cam, are non-essential and will be turned off on October 12, according to the Zoo’s website.

What’s already closed?

The National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the research rooms of several residential libraries are closed.

SENATE DEFIES SHUTDOWN GRIDLOCK TO PASS ANNUAL DEFENSE BILL

Green spaces like the National Arboretum and the U.S. Botanic Garden are also closed. So is the National Gallery of Art.

D.C. tourists looking to get a tour of government attractions will also be out of luck, as both the Capitol Building and White House are closed off to tours during the shutdown.

, 2025-10-10 16:27:00, , Washington Examiner, %%https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon.png?w=32, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Molly Parks