Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo must close

The longest government shutdown in recent years is having a significant impact in the United States: Since Sunday, the gates of the Smithsonian complex in Washington, D.C., including the National Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum, and the popular National Zoo, have remained closed. The Smithsonian Institution stated that it had been able to keep the facilities open since the shutdown began on October 1 thanks to leftover funds from the previous year—but that these funds have now been exhausted.

The closure affects all 21 museums and research centers, as well as the National Zoo, which attracts millions of visitors annually. Last year, the institution welcomed 16.8 million guests. Visitors are asked to check the museums' websites regularly for information on reopening status.

Despite the closure, the National Zoo assures that its animals will continue to be «fed and cared for.» However, the popular live cameras, especially the PandaCam, will remain offline. «Operation and broadcast require government resources and personnel, which are currently unavailable,» the zoo's FAQ page states.

Damage to the travel industry

The economic impact is significant. According to the US Travel Association, the government shutdown has already cost the travel industry $1.7 billion—and the figure continues to rise. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in the capital are clearly feeling the impact of the decline in visitor numbers.

Echoing the 2018–2019 shutdown, the Smithsonian Institution will remain closed until Republicans and Democrats in Congress can agree on a new budget. To date, there are no signs of a breakthrough.

While government employees are working without pay or on leave, many tourists are left with nothing but disillusionment. On Sunday, numerous visitors found themselves in front of closed doors on the National Mall.