Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo reopen Tuesday after being closed for weeks due to the government shutdown. News4’s Shomari Stone reports.
What to Know
Many popular tourist attractions and government sites closed during the partial government shutdown are gearing up to reopen
Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are scheduled to reopen Jan. 29
The current shutdown began Dec. 22, when the Senate and House adjourned without a budget deal, and ended Jan. 25
Some popular sites won't reopen immediately after a deal was reached Friday to end the longest government shutdown in American history.
The process of cutting checks for 800,000 furloughed federal workers will be completed "in the coming days," according to a White House tweet. Smithsonian museums are gearing up for a weekday opening.
Here's an overview of what popular sites are open, and when others will reopen to the public.
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There are so many free and cheap things to do around the District.
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The cherry blossoms won't be back until spring, but the Tidal Basin is a beautiful walk any time of year. Do a loop around the water and you'll see the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
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You can bike, run or stroll through the lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, where you'll spot marsh birds, lily pads and some gorgeous flowers. It's a National Park and free to visit.
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Summer and fall are outdoor movie season in D.C. Here's a roundup of the summer movies.
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Swing on the pier, attend an event stroll along the water or browse D.C.'s fish market at the waterfront development in Southwest.
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More than 400,000 former service men and women are laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Any day of the year, the public is welcome to visit the site. President John F. Kennedy's grave is there, marked by an Eternal Flame. You can also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at least every hour.
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In the middle of the Potomac River, you’ll find a park that feels miles away from a city. Head to the middle and you’ll find one of D.C.’s less obvious monuments, the Teddy Roosevelt memorial.
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A number of senators, representatives and even the legendary first FBI director J. Edgar Hoover were buried in the cemetery.
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When it gets chilly outside, the U.S. Botanic Garden stays balmy and green. Explore a tropical rainforest, a reconstructed Jurassic landscape, rare and endangered species, orchids and more.
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Housed in a gorgeous building, the National Museum of Women in the Arts highlights the works of female artists. Usually, an adult ticket costs $10 (free if you’re under 18). On the first Sunday of each month, the museum hosts a community day and admission is free.
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The Freer|Sackler galleries display Asian art and artifacts. As with all Smithsonian museums, it's free to visit. The museum also hosts film screenings featuring classic and new movies.
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D.C.’s Union Market features a handful of places to eat, drink and shop. The hub includes more than 40 vendors and hosts events throughout the week. The market is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. It's closed on Mondays.
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From the Potomac River to 14th Street, you'll find monuments to America's greatest leaders and largest wars. The Washington Monument, which is closed for construction but still viewable from the outside, marks the eastern edge. Walk west and you'll find the epic World War II memorial, where you can snap a picture with the pillar representing your state. The D.C. War Memorial, somber Vietnam Veterans Memorial, haunting Korean War Veterans Memorial and some smaller monuments are found on either side of the Reflecting Pool. The imposing Lincoln Memorial towers over the western edge. You'll find other monuments circling the Tidal Basin, just south of the Reflecting Pool.
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Hang out and marvel at the towering columns at the National Building Museum's Great Hall. If you have children, the open grounds provide plenty of room for playtime.
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Situated near Dupont Circle, but a few blocks away from the rush of Connecticut Avenue, the curved Spanish Steps make for a perfect post-brunch walk.
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Celebrate and learn about the contributions of African Americans through artifacts, interactive exhibits and events at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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D.C. can seriously accommodate beer lovers. You can find free tours at 3 Stars Brewing Company, DC Brau, Right Proper Brewing Company and Atlas Brew Works. (Looking for fun stuff outside of the city? See our guides for Northern Virginia here and for Maryland here)
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Retrace the steps of Nicholas Cage -- but don’t steal the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Bill of Rights or any of the other historical documents. The museum is open daily and is free.
This not-so-secret corner of Rock Creek Park is where hundreds of pounds of stones that used to make up America's Capitol Building have been dumped. You can still see some intricate designs. It's near the Rock Creek Park Horse Center — hunt for the Capitol Ruins on Google Maps for an exact location. (Looking for fun stuff outside of the city? See our guides for Northern Virginia here and for Maryland here)
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Rangers offer free guided tours daily of the home of one of history’s most tireless activists. Frederick Douglass lived the last 17 years of his life at Cedar Hill, a now-historic D.C. home.
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This haunting and unique statue offers a place to honor the thousands of of men who lost their lives when the Titanic sank.
This lesser-known memorial outside the National Academy of Sciences honors Einstein and his greatest contributions to physics. Look down and you'll see the skies: the floor is doubles as a star map!
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Eastern Market (225 7th Street SE) is a farmer's market, bazaar and upscale food court all rolled into one. Inside, a number of restaurants sell crab cakes, groceries, freshly cut meats and more. Vendors outside sell unique soaps, clothing, decor and art. You'll find the market open Tuesdays through Sundays. On Sundays, a bustling flea market sets up on 7th Street SE. Across C street, Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE) is packed to the gills with literary treasures (and hilariously tongue-in-cheek signage).
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D.C. boasts a robust distillery scene, which one booze-maker said is because it’s the only city in America where you can make and serve alcohol in the same establishment. If you’re in Northeast, Jos. A Magnus & Co., Republic Restoratives and New Columbia Distillers offer free tours, usually on Saturdays. Check with the distillery before heading over.
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Stroll (or bike, if you’re comfortable in traffic) down Massachusetts Avenue from Woodley Park through Dupont Circle, and you’ll pass embassies from every continent. Try to guess the flags as you pass. Each May, they open their doors to the public for free.
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Museums suited to every interest line the National Mall — and all of the Smithsonians are free to visit. The Smithsonian Castle serves as the visitor's center. The Air and Space Museum showcases spacecraft from the Wright era to the space age. For art, check out the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery of Art and the Freer Sackler gallery. History buffs will love the American History Museum, Natural History Museum, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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You’ve heard the tale: In 1804, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton entered into a duel that ended in Hamilton’s death. Now, you can see the firearms for yourself among letters and portraits detailing the remarkable life of the former Secretary of the Treasury.
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The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE) may be D.C.'s most underrated tourist spot. Right off the Brookland station on the Red Line sits one of the 10 largest churches in the world, according to the Basilica's website. If you visit, tour the outside and the lower crypt. But do not miss the upper church, where the ceilings are covered in intricate murals.
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No trip to D.C. is complete without a half-smoke, and the original is housed at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Adorned with a mural celebrating African-Americans legends including The Obamas, Dave Chappelle, Dick Gregory, Mayor Muriel Bowser, News4's own Jim Vance, Chuck Brown's daughter, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Cora Masters Barry. Chili dogs start at $4.40; the Original Chili Half-Smoke is $5.95.
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From the Capitol's old Corinthian columns to photography classes to an azalea collection, the arboretum has more to see than just trees — and yes, it's free.
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D.C.'s Chinatown is small and always bustling. At the intersection of 7th and G streets Northwest, the Friendship Archway and decorated 6-way crossing make great photo opportunities. Stop and listen to the buskers playing music or singing throughout the neighborhood. If you're hunting for Asian flavors, Chinatown Express offers a $6.95 lunch special where you watch the chefs make food. Wok and Roll, China Boy, Penny Whisky and Reren Lamen & Bar are neighborhood favorites. If you like ramen, Daikaya is well-loved among locals and Bantam King serves up tasty bowls alongside fried chicken.
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Watch millions of dollars make their way through the printing press at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Free, 40-minute tours are offered year round, but you’ll need a ticket from March 5 to Aug. 21.
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This church-turned-brilliantly colored art space hosts several free events a month (with cash bars, of course) and gallery viewings on Saturdays and Sundays. It was formerly called the Blind Whino.
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The Highlights Tour allows you to explore the details of the Cathedral's dramatic art and architecture with a guided tour tailored for first-time visitors. Reservations not required for individuals or families, and the tour is free with admission into the church. You can also look on from the outside, where you can see some very unique architectural flair.
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At the Anderson House, a free museum that focuses on all things related to the American Revolution, you'll find antique tapestries, sculptures, portraits and more.
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AFI Silver Theater has plenty of unique choices. The center has two stadium theaters and numerous events. If you’re looking for a movie that hasn’t been in theaters for a while, or a screening of a classic flick, this could be the place where you find it. Ticket prices vary.
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D.C.’s free zoo is one of the world’s best.
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With two locations open and another coming soon, one of D.C.'s favorite independent bookstore offers more than paperbacks and hardcovers. Many of the stores’ guest speaker events are free, but you can also stop by to pick up a new release or grab coffee and a snack at The Den coffeehouse and wine bar (Connecticut Avenue location only).
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You can scope out the architecture or, if you get there early, watch the judges hear a case. The Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, but you can visit public portions of the building.
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The Embassy of Canada Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to the public. Murals, paintings and more with Canadian ties are on display. The gallery rotates its exhibits, so you’ll be able to visit twice and see different works.
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Whether you’re looking for breakfast, dinner or somewhere to see a show, H Street has plenty of options. You can head to Dangerously Delicious Pies for a delectable slice, Bullfrog Bagels for a New York-style bagel or Granville Moore’s for mussels and other pub-type food. There are performances to see at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and live shows at the Rock and Roll Hotel. On Sept. 15, 2018, the streets will be full for the H Street festival, the biggest neighborhood celebration in D.C.
If you have a plane-lover in your group, head to Gravelly Point for a picnic and skywatching.
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Contact your representative for a tour inside the Capitol, a massive complex connected by underground tunnels. The Supreme Court is nearby, and the neighborhood has colorful homes and the Folger Shakespeare Library, which says it features the world's largest Shakespeare collection, gardens, art and more. Admission is free, but shows are not.
D.C.'s natural oasis boasts hiking trails, picnic areas and more to explore. Space-lovers should make sure to check out the planetarium, which hosts programs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Stroll near the waterfront, sip coffee in some of D.C.'s favorite caffeine stops, window shop or just soak in the quaint architecture. Hoof it through the hilly Book Hill Park (1500-1600 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue NW) for incredible views.
D.C. is among the fittest cities in America, possibly because of the bounty of free workout classes. You can find lists of free workouts on Fitverse or The November Project.
There are dozens of talks daily on art, international politics, the environment, history and any other topic you can think of in the city. Most of them are hosted by museums, think tanks and nonprofits for free. CultureCapital.com curates a large list, and you can also check in with major organizations that cater to your interests, including the CATO Institute, Heritage Foundation, Brookings Institute and the Smithsonian.
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Capital Bikeshare Rentals start at $2 for an hour of rides, and new dockless bikeshare companies start at $1 per ride. Wear a helmet and cruise one of the city’s many bike lanes, or head over to Rock Creek Park for a dose of nature.
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Music lovers can go for the free daily performances, but anyone can enjoy the roof deck overlooking the Potomac River.
Free, one-hour walking tours are offered regularly Monday through Friday. With a valid, official ID card, you can sign up for a library card which allows you to access special reading rooms.
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Hit up two museums in one building at the National Portrait Gallery — home to the presidential portrait hall —and Smithsonian American Art Museum, which hosts treasures ranging from gorgeous landscape paintings to mesmerizing folk art.
What's Still Closed?
Smithsonian Museums
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at their regularly scheduled times. However, the Renwick Gallery won't reopen until Saturday, Feb. 2.
Staff charged with taking care of zoo animals reported to work throughout the shutdown, the Smithsonian said.
The shutdown did delay the opening of at least one exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery, "Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence," from Feb. 28 to a yet-unspecified date.
National Gallery of Art
The gallery will reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Washington Post reports that work on the much-anticipated Tintoretto exhibit is weeks behind because of the shutdown.
National Archives
The National Archives Museum will reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The research rooms will also open at their regular times on Thursday. The Federal Records Center and Federal Register have remained open.
National Mall
Because of an agreement with a third-party concessioner, several restrooms on the National Mall remained open during the shutdown, but the National Mall resumed full normal operations on Sunday, Jan. 27.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Areas of the park remained closed due to flooding as of Monday, according to the gardens' website.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is closed until spring 2019 for elevator repairs.
White House Visitor Center
The White House Visitor Center closed during the shutdown and has not announced a reopening date.
The National Park Service says to check with your local park before planning a visit. While most parks, park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials remained open during the shutdown, some parks were damaged and need repairs or cleanup.
"The schedule for individual parks may vary depending on staff size and complexity of operations," National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith said in a statement.
Rock Creek Park and Great Falls in Virginia remained open at reduced staffing levels during the shutdown. On Monday morning, neither Great Falls nor Rock Creek Park had detailed changes in their operating status.
Ford's Theatre
Most of the historic site — the theater and museum — reopened Sunday, Jan. 27. The Petersen House remains closed for preservation work.
The performance schedule of "Twelve Angry Men" was not affected by the shutdown, and the Aftermath Exhibits in the Center for Education and Leadership stayed open during the shutdown for daytime visits.
Private Museums
Privately funded museums weren't affected by the government shutdown.
B&O Railroad Museum
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Smithsonian museums shut their doors on Jan. 2 due to the government shutdown, but there's plenty of museums to enjoy until the classics open again. Consider a railroad museum where you can actually ride the rails, a medical museum full of specimens you'll want to view only on an empty stomach, and plenty more.
How Much: Adults $12; students & seniors $10; youth & members free.n
It may not be a Smithsonian or on the National Mall, but you can still find some of the world's most unique and incredible works of art. In the museum's sprawling collection of over 3,000 works, see world-renowned paintings such as Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and lose yourself in the Rothko Room, a room (as the name implies) dedicated to abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. Sit and stay awhile. Federal workers with an ID can enter for free.
National Capital Trolley Museum
The National Capital Trolley Museumn Where: 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, Maryland How Much: Adults $7; kids & seniors $5.n Experience what it was like when streetcars ruled the rails by riding one of the still-operational cars at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Tracks take visitors on a short journey around the museum's campus. In addition to the rides, the museum features exhibits, antique route maps, and a collection of historic streetcars from D.C. as well as from other U.S. and Canadian cities. It's open on Saturdays and Sundays, and for special event days.
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The Society of the Cincinnati's Anderson Housen Where: 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.n How Much: Free.n
The Society of the Cincinnati is a historical organzation that works to promote appreciation of America's independence. The museum focuses on all things related to the American Revolution. You'll find antique tapestries, sculptures, portraits and more.
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National Law Enforcement Museumn Where: 444 E St. NW, Washington, D.C.n How Much: Prices are $14.95 for kids and $21.95 for a regular adult ticketn
The newly opened National Law Enforcement Museum showcases the process of law enforcement through exhibits highlighting daring undercover operations, heroic rescues and troublesome prison histories. Here's a preview of what's inside.
National Museum of Health and Medicine
The National Museum of Health and Medicinen Where: 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Marylandn How Much: Free.n
From antique microscopes to jars of preserved human specimens to the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, the National Museum of Health and Medicine provides visitors a deeper understanding of medicine's past and its future. The Silver Spring institution has been operating since the 1860s and has a special focus on American military medicine. Note that the museum's collection contains quite a few human-related specimens that may not be suitable for small kids or anyone with a delicate stomach. If you're feeling up for it, though, you'll likely find the displays fascinating. Visitors can also see a portion of a trauma bay used to treat soldiers in Iraq as part of its "Advances in Military Medicine" exhibit.
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum n Where: 437 7th St. NWn How Much: Adults $9.50; students $7; seniors & military $8.50; kids free.n
If it weren't for a chance discovery during a demolition inspection of an old shoe store on 7th Street, about 1,000 artifacts left behind by the woman who founded the American Red Cross would have been lost forever. Clara Barton lived in and opened her Missing Soldiers Office in the building after the Civil War to help reunite families with their loved ones. Today, visitors can tour the restored building and learn the story of the "Angel of the Battlefield." The museum also hosts events throughout the year including concerts, presentations and even amputation demonstrations. It's open regularly from Thursday to Saturday.
Newseumn Where: 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.n How Much: Buy your tickets online during the shutdown for a 15 percent discount: $21.21 for adults and $12.71 for kids aged 7 to 18.n
The Newseum highlights the old and latest in journalism and news. Current exhibits look back the Civil Rights movement in 1968, segments of the Berlin Wall and the editorial cartoons of Michael Sloan and Jake Halpern.
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National Museum of Women in the Artsn Where: 1250 New York Ave. NWn How Much: Adults $10; seniors & students: $8; museum members & youth free.n
This museum is billed as the only one in the world that holds a collection of 4,500 works of art created exclusively by female artists. The collection features present-day artists, but some of its earliest pieces date to 16th century. One of its most prominent artists is 19th century impressionist Mary Cassatt. whose later works focused on the theme of mother and child. Visitors to the museum this summer can see the Heavy Metal, a series featuring artists who created sculptures, jewelry and other objects in metal.
B&O Railroad Museum
B&O Railroad Museumn Where: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Marylandn How Much: Adults $20; seniors (age 60+) $17; kids (ages 2-12) $12; furloughed federal workers can flash their ID for free entry through the shutdown.n
Ride the (historic) rails! One of the world's largest collections of railroad artifacts and locomotives is in Baltimore at the B&O Railroad Museum, where you can take a ride along the first commercial mile of train track ever laid in the U.S. The historic train station and workshops date back to 1829, and the site is considered by some to be the birthplace of American railroading, the museum says. In addition to seeing historic locomotives and other train vehicles, you'll also find smaller artifacts and can search for ancestors in B&O's employee records.
Alexandria Black History Museum
Alexandria Black History Museumn Where: 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, Virginian How Much: Suggested $2 donation.n
In the building that once housed Alexandria's segregated library, the Alexandria Black History Museum uses exhibits to tell the story of the African-American Alexandrians during slavery, the Civil War and post-Civil War era. This summer, visitors can also check out a collection of African American dollhouses and miniatures depicting African-American life in Alexandria and Virginia. In addition to the museum's main building, visitors can check out the Watson Reading Room and the Alexandria African American Heritage Park, a satellite location that includes a sculpture garden and a one-acre 19th century African-American cemetery.
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American Visionary Art Museum n Where: 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Marylandn How Much: Adults $15.95; seniors $13.95; students, kids & veterans $9.95; active military, members & kids under 6 free.n
If you feel like a mini-road trip, consider visiting the eye-popping collections at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, featuring an eclectic mix of sculptures, mosaics and paintings. Curators take special attention to add work by self-taught artists to the collection. Because the museum's mission is to preserve "outsider art," you'll discover a mind-bending group of pieces that run the gamut from sculptures built from scrap metal to giant neon lights. Don't miss the gift shop.
Museum of the Biblen Where: 400 4th St. SW, Washington, D.C.n How Much: Tickets for children over 7 cost $9.99 online and $14.99 for walk up. Regular adult tickets are $19.99 online and $24.99 at the door.n
The Museum of the Bible opened its 40-foot Gutenberg Gates in 2017, welcoming anyone interested in a biblical perspective on history. With lots of kid-oriented exhibits and historic artifacts on loan from Israel's esteemed official collection, the museum is a good bet near the National Mall.
Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center
Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Centern Where: 4519 Rhode Island Ave., North Brentwood, Marylandn How Much: Tours are $5 per person.n
The museum and cultural center is located in North Brentwood and hosts an array of exhibits focusing on cultural and historical contributions of its African-American community. The museum has several exhibitions including "Footsteps from North Brentwood." The exhibit was first displayed in the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum. It features historical information, photographs, interviews and memorabilia about North Brentwood, a town first settled by African-American Civil War veterans.
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Kreeger Museumn Where: 2401 Foxhall Road NW, Washington D.C. How Much: $10 suggested donation for a regular adult ticketn
The Kreeger Museum features a collection of modern art, ranging from painting to sculpture. You can also walk through the sculpture garden.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
The Alexandria Archaeology Museumn Where: 105 N. Union St., #327, Alexandria, Virginian How Much: Free.n
Over the years, Alexandria residents, workers and developers have uncovered thousands of artifacts in the historic city. The museum's collection contains more than 2,000 items including parts of ships, ceramics, wooden toys, leather items and other relics that tells the story of Alexandria's past. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the people that lived and visited Alexandria from prehistoric times all the way to the 20th century.
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ARTECHOUSEn Where: 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C.n How Much: Regular admission starts at $15 for adults, $12 for students, seniors and military and $8 for kids.n
The current interactive exhibit, New Nature by Marpi, is open through Jan. 13. Wave your hands to pet a digital plant that makes music, tap your smartphone to feed a larger-than-life beast illuminated on the wall and enjoy beautiful lights at this art exhibit that's probably unlike anything else you've seen. It's a good option for kids during the day, and hosts adults-only hours at night.
Metro
Metro nearly put 45 agencies on hold before the announcement Jan. 25 that the government would reopen, but service remained largely unaffected by the government shutdown.
WMATA says it's working with federal agencies to restore Smartbenefits before or close to Feb. 1 for about 21,000 customers.
Library of Congress
The library remained open.
Old Post Office Tower
The Old Post Office Tower was closed to visitors due to the shutdown, but it reopened earlier this month. National Park Service employees resumed tours through an agreement with the General Services Administration, which owns the building and is funding the NPS staff.
The Kennedy Center
During the shutdown, all performances went on as scheduled, but the building's public hours and gift shop hours were curtailed. The Kennedy Center is again operating on its normal hours.
East Potomac and Langston golf courses
The Langston and East Potomac golf facilities are open.
Glen Echo Park
Despite being owned by the National Park Service, Glen Echo Park remained open during the shutdown because of its new agreement with Montgomery County, the park said on its website.
Marinas on National Park Land
All marinas on National Park land in the D.C. metro area remained open, including Belle Haven, James Creek, Columbia Island, Washington Sailing Marina and Fort Washington Marina.
