Smithsonian Closes 4 Museums After Surge In COVID Cases Among Employees

WASHINGTON, DC — The Smithsonian is closing four museums in Washington, D.C., for at least five days due to a surge in COVID-19 cases among employees across all of its museums.

The National Museum of African Art, the National Postal Museum, the Anacostia Community Museum and the National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery) shut their doors on Wednesday and are scheduled to reopen Monday, Jan. 3, the Smithsonian said.

Over the last few days, the Smithsonian has seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and associated quarantine periods among its essential and operational staff.

The closure of the four museums will allow the Smithsonian to reallocate staff and keep all other museums open for the remainder of the week, the museum said.

“The Smithsonian strives to keep as many of our museums open to the public as possible without sacrificing the health and safety of our visitors and staff,” it added.

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