The Smithsonian Institution announced that several of their museums on the National Mall would be closed Thursday due to a “mechanical issue,” but did not provide further details.
The issue is impacting the National Museum of the American Indian, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Castle, Arts and Industries Building and S. Dillon Ripley Center. It remains unclear what the nature of the mechanical issue is and why it is affecting only certain buildings. All other Smithsonian museums not listed remain open.
The Smithsonian posted on X just before 8 AM that they would provide updates on the closure at https://www.si.edu/visit.
Most Smithsonian museums are open every day of the year except December 25 from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
The museums have closed in the past for inclement weather — such as during January’s historic snowstorm in the District — and during lengthy government shutdowns.
