While some museums in NoVA and DC may close during the federal government’s shutdown, there are several options that are not government-funded and will be open as usual.
The Smithsonian says its museums and the National Zoo will remain open through October 11. But if the government remains shut down after that, they will have to close temporarily. Other federally funded museums, including the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, are currently closed due to the shutdown.
If you’re looking for a museum to visit during the shutdown, you still have options: These nine museums in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, are not funded by the federal government, so they’ll be open as usual.
Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library reopened after a renovation last year, which included the addition of a new café. Bibliophiles can browse its exhibitions on Shakespeare, signature objects from the library’s collection, and special exhibitions like works from artist Elise Ansel, on display from October 3 to November 9. 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, suggested $15 donation
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Education and fun go hand-in-hand at the historic home of America’s first president. Visitors can tour the grounds and meet reenactors to learn about how people lived in Washington’s time. Plus, it’s often host to events like a U.S. Marine Band Chamber Concert on October 4, a Fall Wine Festival from October 10 to 12, and Fall Harvest Family Days from October 18 to 19. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, starting at $28; some events have additional ticket fees
International Spy Museum
Learn all about the art and history of espionage at this nonprofit museum. Its collection includes the Enigma Machine, the ice axe used to kill Leon Trotsky, and James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin. Guests get a chance to test out their spy skills throughout the museum and learn all about spies and their gadgets. Federal workers will get 50 percent off their tickets for the duration of the shutdown, with a valid government ID. 700 L’Enfant Plz. SW, Washington, DC, starting around $30
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum works to educate visitors about architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. A new exhibition, Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns just opened on September 27. Government employees get free entry during the shutdown, limited to one ticket per day with a valid ID. 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $10
National Children’s Museum
Bring the kids here during winter break to let them play, learn, and explore the museum’s immersive exhibits. They’ll be exposed to concepts of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, all in fun, kid-friendly settings like the Tinkerer’s Studio and the three-story Dream Machine. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $18.95
National Inventors Hall of Fame
In Alexandria, learn all about the creative thinkers behind everyday inventions. There are exhibits on women in innovation, Black inventors, a “Gallery of Icons” dedicated to famous inventors, and an exhibit dedicated to the ways that cars have developed over the years. 600 Dulaney St., Alexandria
National Law Enforcement Museum
This DC museum is dedicated to sharing the stories of law enforcement officials through history and today. Visit for tours to explore exhibits such as a patrol car driving simulation, artifacts about law enforcement’s representation in pop culture, and an exhibit about analyzing clues like a forensic scientist and detective. The museum’s Hall of Remembrance is dedicated to honoring law enforcement members who died in the line of duty. 444 E St. NW, Washington, DC
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Immerse yourself in galleries of thought-provoking works by female artists. Current exhibitions include the newly opened Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750; Niki de Saint Phalle In Print (on display until November 30); and Remix: The Collection. 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $13–$16
Planet Word Museum
Planet Word is a love letter to literacy. This engaging, interactive museum explores the building blocks of language, from the ways humans learn to speak their first words to the diversity of the world’s languages. Exhibits invite visitors to play, speak, and sing as they learn about language. It’s offering free admission and 50 percent off Lexicon Lane cases (normally $40) to federal workers for the duration of the shutdown. 925 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, $15 suggested donation
Feature image by Jennifer Hughes, courtesy National Museum of Women in the Arts
