We don’t know when the government shutdown will end, and furloughed workers will be able to get paid and get back to work.
But in the meantime, museums and attractions around the country are trying to help out a bit by offering free admission to federal employees during the shutdown. Here are some examples. Let us know if you find others.
In Oregon: Columbia River Maritime Museum
Washington, DC
Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit. Courtesy National Air & Space Museum
The Smithsonian Institution’s museums, research centers and the National Zoo will use prior-year funds to remain open to the public during the federal government shutdown at least through Monday, October 6, 2025. Updates will be posted as needed on the Smithsonian’s website.
The International Spy Museum is offering 50% off admission for government employees who show ID.
Free admission for government employees is being offered at the National Building Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Planet Word Museum, and others.
Indianapolis
Colorado
This list of Colorado museums offering free admission to furloughed government workers during the shutdown is courtesy of Denver’s ABC station.
1. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave – Golden, Colorado
2. Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House – Denver
3. Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden, Colorado
4. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College – Colorado Springs, Colo.
5. Denver Art Museum – Denver
6. Denver Firefighters Museum – Denver
7. Denver Museum of Nature and Science – Denver
8. Dinosaur Journey – Fruita, Colo.
9. Dinosaur Ridge (federal employee + 3 guests are allowed in; free admission until February 15) – Morrison, Colorado
10. El Pueblo History Museum – Pueblo, Colorado
11. Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center – Fort Garland, Colorado
12. Fort Vasquez – Platteville, Colorado
13. Four Mile Historic Park – Denver
14. Golden History Museum + Park – Golden, Colorado
15. Hart Research Library – Denver
16. Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin – Leadville, Colorado
17. History Colorado Center – Denver
18. Museum of Colorado Prisons – Cañon City, Colorado
19. Museum of the West/Museum of Western Colorado – Grand Junction, Colo.
20. Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and State Historical Fund – Denver
21. Trinidad History Museum – Trinidad, Colorado
22. Ute Indian Museum – Montrose, Colorado
23. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver
Many other museums and attractions are stepping up to offer a bit of relief to furloughed government workers during the shutdown. Check to see what’s available where you are.
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