As Washington D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day on January 20, the Smithsonian Institution has announced a significant change to its usual operations. According to WUSA9, a collection of museums typically buzzing with activity will remain shuttered that day, a move designed to lessen the strain on infrastructural and security resources amid heightened vigilance. The closures affect prominently the sites along the National Mall, where most of the Smithsonian's free-admission museums are found.
In past years, Smithsonian entities such as the National Portrait Gallery and the National Postal Museum have served as cultural sanctuaries amidst the swirl of political festivities. This year, however, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, these institutions will observe a period of quietness. As the WTOP explained, prior inaugurations proved challenging for both staff and visitors due to the maze of fences and road closures that arose. The decision to close aims to ameliorate these issues, emphasizing crowd control, security, and safety.
Nevertheless, not all Smithsonian locations will go silent. The National Zoo, Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the Smithsonian Air and Space's Udvar-Hazy Center will remain open. These locations provide an alternative for individuals and families to enjoy their day while other museums are closed, as noted in the WUSA9 report.
The Washington Post notes that unlike the last ceremony, marred by the pandemic's grip that transformed celebrations into virtual and take-away affairs, this year signals a return to more traditional festivities—with details still forthcoming.
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