Federally Supported Museums Gird for Shutdown, but Key Work to Go On

The possible federal government shutdown Tuesday would close Smithsonian Institution facilities and disrupt major upcoming exhibitions, but crucial security and maintenance work will continue, The New York Times writes.

Smithsonian officials are rushing to complete contingency plans for the largely federally funded complex of research centers and cultural institutions, including some of the world’s most popular museums. Animal care and feeding at the National Zoo, guarding of the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History, and other tasks that require regular attention will continue to get it, but most operations will cease.

Failure by Congress to reach a budget deal by the October 1 start of the federal fiscal year would also delay one of the most significant acquisitions ever made by the Museum of Natural History, a nearly intact Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton due to arrive on loan from a Montana museum on October 16.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy article on how the shutdown could affect charities that receive federal funds.