Looking for what to do in DC during the government shut down?
While some sites will be closed, you can still visit DC during government shutdown! WE'RE STILL OPEN! The city doesn't shut and in fact, there are often special events and discounts accommodate all the visitors locked out of museums.
The Government is Open - no need to worry about museum closures!
ALL of our tours will run as normal with little to no affect whatsoever.
WHAT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN
- All Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo are now closed. See our suggested alternatives below. Smithsonian Museums will reopen Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
- National Archives
- National Arboretum
- Fords Theatre *performances still running, Aftermath Exhibits open 930am-5pm*
- Our Lincoln Assassination Walking tour is a great alternative.
- Kennedy Center will see no tours and reduced hours but performances will be unaffected.
- White House Visitor Center
- National Gallery of Art
More importantly, WHAT IS OPEN IN DC DURING A SHUTDOWN?
FREE THINGS TO DO DURING THE SHUTDOWN
Since this is a partial shutdown, 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!)
- The Library of Congress (and our Capitol Hill tours will still run!)
- The US Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Memorial Museum was open during the Jan 2019 shutdown however it was nearing the end of its budget. If the government does shut down again, don't be surprised if the museum isn't able to reopen.
- The US Capitol Visitor Center and tours remain open (they are funded until September 2019)
- The National Botanical Gardens
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Old Post Office Pavilion
- Folger's Shakespeare Theatre
- National Inventor's Hall of Fame Museum (Alexandria)
- Museum of the Marine Corps
- Navy Memorial with Visitor Center
- National Museum of Health and Medicine (free)
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.
Despite shutdown, sidewalks maintained by the NPS will be treated and shoveled during snow storms.
Most restrooms, ranger stations, gift shops and museums will be closed but you'll still be able to visit the memorials as normal.
There are some 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 its 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 Smithsonians.
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, its 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:
- Museum of the Marine Corps (free but does require a car to get to)
- 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 (closed until Feb 01)
- Anderson House / Society of the Cincinnati (free)
Instead of the National Museum of African American History and Culture:
Instead of Natural History Museum:
- Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
- US Botanic Gardens (free)
Instead of the National Archives:
