Smithsonian Prepares for Hurricane Irene

WASHINGTON.- Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are preparing for possible severe weather this weekend along the East Coast due to Hurricane Irene. Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., and the National Zoo are open; however, if weather worsens over the weekend, this status could change. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in New York City, the George Gustav Heye Center, will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, 28, due to a severe storm threat. Hawk Kennedy, Nathan Gilham, [...]

Smithsonian Museums Report 30 Million Visits in 2009

WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian museums reported 2009 attendance of 30 million, up from 25 million the previous year. This marks the first time attendance has risen to 30 million since 2001. Admission to all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., is free. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History was the most-visited museum at the Smithsonian with 7.4 million visitors in 2009; attendance at the museum was up 450,000 from 2008. The National Air and Space Museum was the second most-visited [...]