Free Museum Access And Discounts During Washington Dc Government Shutdown

During a government shutdown, many federal workers in the Washington D.C. area face uncertainty and financial challenges. In response, numerous museums, attractions, businesses, and cultural institutions have stepped forward to offer free admission, discounted tickets, and special promotions to those affected. This article examines the available options for federal employees, contractors, and their families seeking entertainment and cultural experiences during a shutdown period.

Museums Offering Free Admission to Federal Workers

Several museums in the Washington D.C. area have committed to providing complimentary admission to federal workers during the government shutdown. These institutions recognize the financial strain that shutdowns place on federal employees and aim to offer accessible cultural experiences.

The Capital Jewish Museum, located at 575 3rd St., NW, is offering free admission to federal employees during the shutdown. The museum features an exhibit titled "LGBT Jews in the Federal City," which includes 200 photographs, 120 artifacts, and oral histories. This relatively new museum, established two years prior to the shutdown, provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Jewish history and culture in the nation's capital.

The National Building Museum, an independent nonprofit located in Washington D.C., has also announced that it will continue offering free admission to federal employees for the remainder of the shutdown. This museum, which focuses on architecture, design, engineering, and urban planning, remains a popular destination for both tourists and local residents.

Planet Word, a language-oriented museum at 925 13th Street NW, Washington D.C., is offering free walk-up admission to museum programs for the duration of the shutdown. Additionally, they are providing 50% off Lexicon Lane cases to affected workers. The museum's interactive exhibits focus on language and communication, making it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages.

President Lincoln's Cottage, located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, is another site offering complimentary access to federal workers. As the former home of President Abraham Lincoln, this historic site sits on federal land but is privately run, allowing it to remain open during the shutdown. The Cottage is offering discounted tours for federal civil servants through the end of October. Additionally, they provide a free crafting room open for all visitors daily in the Visitor Education Center, along with meditative landscape tours and entertaining programs. All ticketed programs are available for free with participation in their Museum Impact in Practice Study.

Museums Offering Discounted Admission to Federal Workers

While some museums provide completely free access, others have chosen to offer significant discounts to federal workers affected by the shutdown. These reduced admission prices make cultural experiences more accessible to those experiencing financial uncertainty due to the furlough.

The International Spy Museum, located at 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington D.C., is offering 50% off admission to federal workers for the duration of the shutdown. According to the museum's statement, discounted tickets will be available for on-site purchase only and will not be offered on select blackout dates like holiday weekends. Federal workers will need to show their federal ID on site to be eligible for this discount.

The Go-Go Museum and Cafe, which explores the history and impact of D.C.'s official music genre, offers free admission for D.C. residents with ID, while all other visitors pay $15. The museum showcases the influence of musicians including Chuck Brown, who is credited with pioneering the Go-Go sound.

The Art Museum of the Americas is another institution that provides free admission during the shutdown, making it an accessible option for cultural exploration without cost.

Free Outdoor Memorials and Attractions

While many federally funded museums and attractions close during a government shutdown, numerous outdoor memorials and monuments remain accessible to visitors at no cost. These outdoor spaces provide opportunities for reflection, education, and sightseeing during a shutdown.

The National Mall continues to be open to visitors, with numerous memorials accessible without admission fees. These include: - Lincoln Memorial - Jefferson Memorial - Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Vietnam Women's Memorial - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - World War II Memorial - World War I Memorial - Korean War Veterans Memorial - Washington Monument - Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial - Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Other notable memorials in the area that remain open during the shutdown include: - African American Civil War Memorial - American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial - National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial - George Mason Memorial - National Japanese Americans Memorial - Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

Arlington Cemetery also remains open to visitors during the government shutdown, with funerals and interment services continuing as scheduled. This hallowed ground provides visitors with an opportunity to pay respects to the nation's fallen heroes.

It's important to note that while these outdoor memorials remain accessible, restrooms and ranger stations will more than likely be closed during a shutdown. In previous shutdowns, bathrooms located at the World War Two Memorial, Lincoln Memorial (south side), and Thomas Jefferson Memorial have remained open, providing some limited facilities for visitors.

Entertainment and Performance Discounts

Beyond museums and memorials, several entertainment venues and performance spaces have extended special offers to federal workers affected by the shutdown. These discounts provide opportunities for live performances and cultural experiences during a challenging time.

Atlas Performing Arts Center, located at 1333 H St., NE, is offering a special discount to federal employees affected by the shutdown. Using the code FEDERAL at checkout, federal workers can purchase two tickets for $20 each (fees included) to Atlas Presents: A Bohemian Christmas with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. These discounted tickets are valid only for the November 30, December 1, and December 5 performance dates.

George Mason University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, with locations in Fairfax and Manassas, is offering free tickets to select professional and student performances for government contractors and federal workers. These free tickets can be reserved either over the phone or in person at the venue, providing an accessible option for live entertainment during the shutdown.

Food and Beverage Offers

In addition to cultural and entertainment discounts, many restaurants and bars in the Washington D.C. area have extended sympathy specials to furloughed federal workers during the shutdown. These food freebies provide both practical support and opportunities for social connection during a difficult time.

Bayou Bakery in Arlington, Va., is offering complimentary New Orleans-style beignets to government workers. According to manager Kyle Pool, the special has been a win-win situation: furloughed workers receive free food, while the restaurant attracts new customers. "For the short term, it's beneficial for everyone," Pool stated. However, he expressed uncertainty about how long the bakery would continue the freebies, noting that "When people are three weeks into this, I don't know how happy they'll be. That's a lot of beignets."

Numerous other restaurants and bars around the region have also been offering sympathy specials to federal workers, with some promising deals until the shutdown ends. These establishments recognize the financial strain that shutdowns place on federal employees and aim to provide both practical support and community solidarity.

Planning Your Shutdown Visit

For those planning to visit Washington D.C. during a government shutdown, several considerations can help maximize the available free and discounted options:

1. Verify Operating Hours: Before visiting any museum or attraction, check their website or call ahead to confirm they are open and offering special discounts to federal workers.

2. Bring Proper Identification: Many venues offering discounts to federal workers require valid federal ID for verification purposes.

3. Consider Weekday Visits: Some attractions may have reduced hours or limited services on weekends, particularly during a shutdown when staffing may be limited.

4. Explore Free Alternatives: In addition to museums offering discounts, numerous outdoor memorials, monuments, and historic sites remain accessible without cost during shutdowns.

5. Check for Limited-Time Offers: Some promotions, such as the Atlas Performing Arts Center's discount, may be available only for specific dates or performances.

6. Look for Combo Deals: Some museums and attractions may offer package deals that provide additional value during a shutdown.

Conclusion

During a government shutdown, Washington D.C.'s cultural institutions and businesses have demonstrated remarkable solidarity with federal workers by offering free admission, discounted tickets, and special promotions. From museums like the Capital Jewish Museum and National Building Museum to outdoor memorials on the National Mall, numerous options remain accessible to those affected by the shutdown.

Food establishments like Bayou Bakery have extended complimentary offerings, while entertainment venues such as Atlas Performing Arts Center and George Mason University have provided discounted access to performances. These initiatives not only support federal workers financially but also help maintain connections to cultural and community resources during a challenging time.

For federal employees and their families, these free and discounted options provide valuable opportunities for entertainment, education, and social connection when federal attractions may be closed. By taking advantage of these offers, visitors can continue to experience the rich cultural offerings of Washington D.C. even during a government shutdown.

Sources

1. NPR - Some Are Benefiting From The Government Shutdown
2. NBC Washington - Government Shutdown: Which DC Tourist Sites Are Closed and Where to Go Instead
3. Washingtonian - DC Museums and Attractions Offering Shutdown Discounts for Federal Workers
4. Rep. Liccardo - DC Shutdown Activities
5. NBC Washington - DC Area Businesses Offer Freebies and Deals for Federal Workers Hit By Shutdown
6. Northern Virginia Magazine - 9 Northern Virginia and DC Museums Open During the Government Shutdown