DC Museums and Attractions Offering Freebies and Discounts During Government Shutdown

A government shutdown in the Washington, D.C. area disrupts the operations of federally funded institutions, including popular Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. This closure impacts both tourists and local residents, particularly federal employees and contractors facing financial uncertainty. However, during such periods, many independent museums, cultural venues, and businesses in the region step in to offer relief through free admission, discounted tickets, and special promotions. These initiatives aim to provide entertainment and support to affected workers while keeping the city’s cultural life accessible. The following guide details the specific freebies and deals available at D.C.-area museums and attractions during a government shutdown, based on verified information.

Open Museums and Free Admission Offers

While the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo typically close during a shutdown, numerous other institutions remain open. Many of these offer free entry or significant discounts to federal workers and the general public.

Independent Museums Offering Free Admission

Several museums in the District are privately funded or operated by non-profit organizations, allowing them to stay open and offer free access.

Capital Jewish Museum: Located at 575 3rd St., NW, this museum offers free admission to federal employees during the shutdown. It features exhibits such as "LGBT Jews in the Federal City," which includes photographs, artifacts, and oral histories.
The People's House: A White House Experience: This privately funded nonprofit remains open and is free to visit. It includes a replica of the Oval Office. Visitors are recommended to book passes in advance.
DAR Museum: The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum is listed as a top free museum to visit during the shutdown.
Art Museum of the Americas: This museum is also identified as a top free option for visitors during the shutdown period.
President Lincoln's Cottage: Although situated on federal land, this site is privately run and remains open. It offers discounted tours for federal civil servants through the end of October. Additionally, all ticketed programs are available for free for participants in their "Museum Impact in Practice Study."
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum: Located in D.C.'s Penn Quarter, it offers walk-in admission and tours for $15 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Museums Offering Discounts and Special Deals

Other venues provide discounted admission or special packages for federal workers and visitors.

Planet Word: This language-oriented museum at 925 13th Street NW offers free walk-up admission to museum programs and 50% off Lexicon Lane cases for affected workers for the duration of the shutdown.
International Spy Museum: Federal workers receive 50% off admission for the duration of the shutdown. Discounted tickets are available for on-site purchase only and require a valid federal ID. This offer is not available on select blackout dates, such as holiday weekends.
National Building Museum: An independent nonprofit, it offers free admission to federal employees for the remainder of the shutdown.
Anderson House: The headquarters of The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati, this national landmark charges an admission fee of $6-$12.
Go-Go Museum and Cafe: This museum explores the history of D.C.'s official music genre. Admission is free for D.C. residents with a valid ID and $15 for everyone else.
Atlas Performing Arts Center: Federal employees can use the code FEDERAL at checkout to get two tickets for $20 each (fees included) to specific performances like "A Bohemian Christmas." Tickets are valid for specific dates in November and December.

Museums for Families and Children

Families looking for activities during the shutdown have several options, including museums designed for children and those offering immersive educational experiences.

Children's Museum: Recognized as one of the best museums for kids open during the shutdown, it offers immersive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Notable areas include the Tinkerer’s Studio and the three-story Dream Machine. Admission is $18.95.
Planet Word: In addition to its general discounts, the museum's interactive exhibits make it a suitable destination for younger visitors interested in language and words.
Museum of Creative Thinking: Located in Alexandria, this museum focuses on inventors and innovation. It features exhibits on women in innovation, Black inventors, a "Gallery of Icons," and the evolution of cars. Admission is free.
National Law Enforcement Museum: This museum offers a patrol car driving simulation and exhibits on forensic science. It provides a "buy one, get one free" offer for federal employees during the shutdown.

Free Outdoor Memorials and Sites

When indoor museums are closed, the outdoor monuments and memorials on the National Mall remain accessible to the public free of charge. However, visitors should note that restrooms and ranger stations may be closed.

National Mall Memorials: The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, World War II Memorial, World War I Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial all remain open.
Other Notable Memorials: Additional free sites include the African American Civil War Memorial, American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, George Mason Memorial, National Japanese Americans Memorial, and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery: The cemetery remains open to visitors, and funerals and interment services continue as scheduled.

Performing Arts and University Events

Cultural performances and university events also offer discounted or free tickets to federal workers.

George Mason University: The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers free tickets to select professional and student performances. Tickets can be reserved over the phone or in person at the venue in Fairfax and Manassas.
Atlas Performing Arts Center: As mentioned, this center offers discounted tickets to specific shows using the FEDERAL promo code.

Broader Community Support and Freebies

Beyond museums, the local community and businesses often provide support. During previous shutdowns, restaurants and bars have offered sympathy specials. For example, Bayou Bakery in Arlington, Va., provided complimentary New Orleans-style beignets to government workers. While not museum-specific, these community gestures are part of the broader landscape of support available during a shutdown. Additionally, the Museums for All program allows SNAP recipients to get free and reduced admission to over 1,500 museums across the U.S., providing another avenue for access.

Conclusion

A government shutdown may close the doors of federally funded institutions like the Smithsonian, but the Washington, D.C. area offers a robust network of alternatives. From free admission at privately run museums like the Capital Jewish Museum and The People's House to significant discounts at the International Spy Museum and Planet Word, there are numerous ways to engage with culture and history. Outdoor memorials remain fully accessible, and performing arts venues provide discounted entertainment. Federal employees and visitors can utilize these offers to navigate the shutdown period with access to educational and recreational activities.