The Smithsonian Institution announced Friday afternoon that the museums and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will be able to stay open to the public until closing time on Oct. 11.

That's an extra five days beyond Oct. 6, the initial date by which the Smithsonians said they would close during the federal government shutdown.

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However, if the shutdown continues beyond Oct. 11, the museums and zoo will be closed from Sunday, Oct. 12, onwards.

"Our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are open today, and will remain through Saturday, October 11, a banner on the Smithsonian website reads. "If the government shutdown continues past October 11, the Smithsonian will then close to the public."

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