The Smithsonian Institution has tallied a total cost of $2.8 million caused by the government shut down this past month, including all gift shop and cafeteria revenues the museum normally takes in.  The museum was also forced to conclude a number of loans prematurely, including the rarely exhibited codexes of Leonardo Da Vinci.   (more…)

The ongoing government shutdown has had far-reaching implications for national museums and galleries, many of which rely on major donations from private patrons to keep their doors open the rest of the year.  Unable to welcome important guests or potential donors, the current shutdown has kept museums like the National Gallery of Art from attracting new donors (whose contributions make up to 30% of the institution’s operating budget).   (more…)