During U.S. federal government shutdowns, federally funded museums, research centers, and national zoos may temporarily close due to lack of funding.
October 12, 2025
high
temporal
Describes operational impacts on federally funded cultural and research institutions during shutdowns.
The Smithsonian Institution operates 21 museums and the National Zoo.
October 11, 2025
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organizational
Overview of the Smithsonian Institution's primary components.
The Smithsonian Institution receives about 62% of its funding from the United States federal government, and federal funding helps support free admission to all of its Washington, D.C., museums and the National Zoo.
October 11, 2025
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financial
Funding sources and admission policy for Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo.
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is a Smithsonian unit located in Front Royal, Virginia.
October 11, 2025
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locational
Location and organizational affiliation of a Smithsonian research facility.
The American Alliance of Museums reported that, in relation to the 2018â2019 U.S. federal government shutdown, the Smithsonian Institution's gift shops, concessions, and IMAX film screenings experienced roughly $3.4 million in lost revenue.
January 25, 2019
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temporal
Component of the reported economic losses tied to the 2018â2019 shutdown.
The Smithsonian Institution acquired several works by Bob Ross for its permanent collection in 2019.
January 01, 2019
high
temporal
Institutional museum acquisition of Bob Ross artworks.
Federal museums and related institutions can use prior-year appropriations to temporarily continue operations after current-year funding lapses.
high
financial
Short-term continuity practice for federally funded cultural and research institutions when new appropriations are not yet available.