Smithsonian, National Zoo to close if shutdown lasts into 2019

The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close on Jan. 2 if the partial government shutdown extends into the new year.

The Smithsonian Institution announced on Thursday that all 19 museums, galleries, research centers and the zoo in Washington, D.C., will have to close in the new year until the government reopens. 

If the #GovernmentShutdown continues beyond Jan. 1, all Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo will be closed starting Jan. 2. We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved.

— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) December 27, 2018

There were nearly 30 million visits to the museums and the National Zoo in 2017, according to the institution.

The Smithsonian’s federal appropriation for fiscal 2018 was $1 billion. Two-thirds of the institution is federally funded with the rest of the money coming from non-federal funds and private donations.

{mosads}The Smithsonian has been using funds from prior years to remain open through Jan. 1.

The partial shutdown was triggered on Saturday following a standoff between Democrats and the White House over President Trump’s demand for at least $5 billion in funding for his long-desired wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

There are seven appropriations bills and related agencies that are awaiting funding from Congress.

The National Park Service said its parks would remain open but without staff.