The Smithsonian has finally closed the various museums under its umbrella as the US government shutdown extends to a second week.
Ever since the US government went on a shutdown starting from October 1st, the fate of the various art institutions dependent on federal funding was called into question. The National Gallery of Art closed down on 4th October itself. But the Smithsonian is the first American institute of its size to give way amidst the shutdown.
Previously, the museum had announced it would close on October 6, but continued to operate until October 11, after which it shared its decision to temporarily close. Throughout this, the Smithsonian – which relies heavily on federal funding – was operating out of its own emergency funds. However, now that it is closed, it is not clear how the large number of employees at its 21 constituent organizations – including the Hirshhorn Museum and National Portrait Gallery – would be paid.
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The last time a US shutdown occurred, back in 2018, the Smithsonian closed for almost a month, and its workers were not paid for the duration. The current shutdown occured after the Democratic members did not agree with the proposed healthcare budget cuts until the deadline. It is not clear whether federal workers, including those working in federally-funded institutions like the Smithsonian, would be paid or reimbursed for the period of the shutdown. The Smithsonian has been a special target for US President Donald Trump since his second term, who has accused the museum of promoting “divisive, race-centred” ideology.
