Looking for what to do in DC during the government shutdown?
While some sites will be closed, you can still visit DC during the government shutdown! Lots of popular attractions remain open.
WE'RE STILL OPEN! The city doesn't shut and in fact, there are often special events and discounts to accommodate all the visitors locked out of museums.
All of our tours will run as normal with little to no effect whatsoever.
With the threat of a partial shutdown on October 1, 2023, we will continue to update this page with relevant information for visitors to DC.
MANY sites remain open even during government shutdowns.
If the relevant appropriation bills are passed before October 1, some museums and attractions will remain open even during a shutdown (as happened in 2019).
WHAT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.
With the threat of a government shutdown, we are basing the information we have on past government shutdowns.
Tourist attractions, museums, and sites are subject to budget concerns, and whether they are open or not depends on information that we (as tour guides) don't always have!
These sites will remain open "as long as funding allows" - there is little information on when that might be! They will close with funding runs out and will attempt to stay open as long as possible.
- All Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo See our suggested alternatives below.
- National Gallery of Art
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
CONFIRMED WILL BE CLOSED FOR Oct 2023 Shutdown
- The Library of Congress (and our Capitol Hill tours will still run even if buildings are closed!)
- US Capitol Visitor Center
- Museum of the Marine Corps
- National Archives
- White House Visitor Center & White House Public Tours
- The National Botanical Gardens
- Fords Theatre *performances will still run.
- Our Lincoln Assassination Walking tour is a great alternative.
- Old Post Office Pavilion
- National Arboretum
WHAT IS OPEN IN DC DURING A SHUTDOWN?
During partial shutdowns, some federal buildings remain open.
The sites below are open and admission is FREE.
You'll find a number of other recommended attractions, museums, and historic sites listed farther below that have admission prices (but we think they are worth it!)
These will not be affected by any government shutdown.
- Folger's Shakespeare Theatre
- National Inventor's Hall of Fame Museum (Alexandria)
- Navy Memorial with Visitor Center
- National Museum of Health and Medicine (free)
- Kennedy Center performances will be unaffected.
Memorials on the National Mall
Every memorial will still be open to visitors. All of our tours are running as normal! Hop on Hop Off Bus Tours are still running.
Most restrooms, ranger stations, gift shops, and museums will be closed but you'll still be able to visit the memorials as normal.
Often, NPS will still manage select restrooms. In the past shutdowns, there have been open restrooms located at:
- WWII Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial South Side
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery will remain open and our Arlington Cemetery walking tours were still able to operate.
TICKETED MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS OPEN DURING THE SHUTDOWN
The below locations remain open during the shutdown as they are privately funded. There is an admission cost but we think it's worth it!
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, is a private institution and is unaffected by the shutdown!
Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is always worth a visit and will remain open.
Though it has the word National in its name, it is not government-funded.
You can also visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
Private Museums and Historic Homes
Private museums and historic homes that require tickets will be open as normal as they are not government-funded like the Smithsonian.
Museums:
- The National Building Museum
- National Geographic Museum
- Koshland Science Museum
- National Law Enforcement Museum
Art Museums:
- The Phillips Collection
- Kreeger Museum
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Art Museum of the Americas
Historic Sites:
- The Decatur House
- Mansion on O Street
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Woodrow Wilson House
- Hillwood Estates, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton House - This is usually closed in January but will remain open as long as the shutdown is happening.
- Carlyle House (Alexandria)
Suggested Alternatives to Visit the Smithsonian Museums During the Shutdown
We agree it's a bummer that the Smithsonians are closed but there are some great alternatives if you know where to go.
We know a number of school groups are visiting DC for already planned trips, contact us for discounted rates on our tours to help make the most of your trip.
Below are our suggestions for some alternative things to do that are open during the shutdown and welcome groups.
You will need to contact individual sites for group pricing or special circumstances (some can only accommodate small groups).
Instead of the Air and Space Museum:
- College Park Aviation Museum
- Navy Memorial Visitor Center
- National Inventor's Hall of Fame Museum (Alexandria)
Instead of the American History Museum:
- Woodrow Wilson House
- Clara Barton Missing Soldiers
- National Museum of Health and Medicine (free)
- Tudor Place
- Anderson House / Society of the Cincinnati (free)
Instead of the National Museum of African American History and Culture:
Instead of Natural History Museum:
Instead of the National Archives:
