WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Institution is staying open just a little while longer during the government shutdown.

All Smithsonian museums are congressionally funded. During a shutdown, they're not considered "excepted" or essential, so in order to stay open they need to find the money. The D.C. institution initially announced it would use prior-year funds to stay open until Monday Oct. 6, but Friday afternoon announced it will now be able to stay open another week through Oct. 11.

"Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will use prior-year funds to remain open to the public during the federal government shutdown through Saturday, October 11, 2025," the website reads.

If anything changes, more updates will be posted on the Smithsonian website.

The Smithsonian is t

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