All museums of the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Zoo, are scheduled to temporarily close to the public as of Monday, November 23 because of the increasing coronavirus cases in the DMV area and around the country.
The eight Smithsonian facilities in the DC region that had recently reopened to visitors and impacted by the current decision are as follows:
- National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of the American Indian in DC
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Zoo
- Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian says it cannot announce a reopening date at this time due to the changing nature of the situation.
“The Institution’s top priority is to protect the health and safety of its visitors and staff. We will use this time to reassess, monitor and explore additional risk-mitigation measures,” the institution said in a statement on November 19. “We are closely monitoring guidance from local governments, public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
The Smithsonian had closed its museums and the National Zoo in March, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area. The museums reopened in July.
Further updates can be followed through the Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts of the Smithsonian.
Timed-entry pass holders for future visits will be contacted by the facilities.
During the closure, the public is encouraged to visit www.si.edu for more information on virtual exhibitions, online collections and educational resources to explore the Smithsonian’s online resources.
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