The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History was just one of the museums closed by the shutdown. Across D.C., federally funded museums, parks, and monuments announced their closure with flyers taped or glued onto entrances.
The Washington Monument—still under construction to repair damages from the 2011 earthquake that hit Virginia and surrounding regions—is blocked off by fencing. Access to the monument was unaffected by the shutdown, since the monument was previously closed for construction.
The World War II Memorial is barricaded by fencing and police warning tape.
A member of the National Park Service reinforces the barricades blocking off the World War II memorial after a group of veterans supported by Congressmen and others entered the public space.
A man protests the federal government shutdown by the World War II Memorial.
Tourists take photos of the World War II Memorial, in which large fountains usually bubble, through the barricades.
The steps of the Lincoln Memorial are usually occupied by tourists, residents, and joggers.
Tourists take photographs of the Lincoln Memorial from the closest distance they can reach—the bottom of the famous steps.
The sole person on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, usually brimming with tourists, was a uniformed police officer.
Parks and boathouses across D.C. were closed to the public.
As a result of the shutdown, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' public visiting hours were restricted.
The United States Institute of Peace had no signs indicating it was closed, but as a federally funded organization it was shut down for "ordinary business." The Institute's website describes the organization as "a powerful symbol, representing America’s commitment to peace and our country’s abiding interest in avoiding the staggering costs of war—both human and fiscal."
