Smithsonian museums, National Zoo reopenings bring flocks of visitors

Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Nov 15, 2025, 4:25 PM ET


Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are welcoming members of the public back after weeks of closures because of the government shutdown.

The Smithsonian Institution, which receives federal funding and comprises the largest museum complex in the world, closed as the shutdown entered its third week after initially using budget funds from previous years to stay open. The facilities are now reopening on a rolling basis through Monday. After a month shuttered from the public, the zoo opened its gates Saturday morning to visitors from near and far.

“It has been weeks, and yes, we have been waiting to have this over with so that we can go and explore,” visitor Molly Woods, with three young boys in tow, told CNN. “We live super close and so we take advantage of all the wonderful things that the Smithsonian museums have to offer.”

Longtime Virginia resident Kathy Rushlow said she hurried to book a spot at the zoo. “I booked this ticket Thursday when I knew the government was coming back,” she said. “It’s one of my happy places.”

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/15/politics/visitors-flock-to-national-zoo-reopening