#DCisOpen for Business During Government Shutdown

Dear Members,

As you all are aware, the government of the United States shutdown at midnight due to lapse in appropriation. Below please find communication shared by Destination DC regarding the shutdown and messaging for the #DCisOpen campaign. RAMW will send updated information as it is available and our social media platforms will share messaging to let consumers know that restaurants, in addition to so many attractions, destinations, and events in DC are very much open for business. 

DC is Open

• DC is open for business and remains a great value for visitors during the winter months.
• There is up-to-date information on social media channels with the #DCisOpen hashtag (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), website washington.org/dcisopen, and hotline (800-422-8644).
• In the event of a shutdown, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will not be impacted, Metro will be open, and the vast majority of exciting things to do in DC will remain open.
• DC government services will continue as normal; this includes sanitation, schools, inspections, public transportation, parks and other ancillary government services
• Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo WILL BE OPEN through Jan. 1, (Smithsonian museums are always closed on Dec. 25).
• ZooLights will be open thru its normal schedule—every night except Dec. 24, 25 and 31. ZooLights info: https://s.si.edu/2gHIOkq
• Open-air parks and monuments remain accessible (though not staffed by NPS)
• The National Gallery of Art will be OPEN to the public through Monday, December 31. The Gallery's status after January 1 is yet to be determined. As a reminder, we are always closed on December 25 and January 1.

Here are some other events in the city that will NOT be impacted:

• Rodarte at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
• 1968: Civil Rights at 50 at the Newseum (through Jan. 2, 2019)
• Indecent at Arena Stage (through Dec. 30)
• The Second City's Love, Factually at the Kennedy Center (through Dec. 31); as well as daily free performances on Millennium Stage at 6pm
• Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains at the International Spy Museum (through Jan. 1, 2019)
• New Nature by Marpi at Artechouse (through Jan. 13, 2019)
• Nordic Impressions at Phillips Collection (through Jan. 13, 2019)
• Ice skating at rinks including Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront, Washington Harbour Ice Rink in Georgetown, Wharf Ice Rink
• Georgetown GLOW public light installations (through Jan. 6, 2019)
• “Dream Closet” installation of modern holiday ornaments above CityCenterDC’s Palmer Alley.

Longer list of private institutions NOT affected include, but are not limited to:

• Anderson House - The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati
• Arena Stage
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Artechouse
• Big Bus Tours
• Bike and Roll
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Capital One Arena
• City Segway Tours of Washington, DC
• DAR Constitution Hall
• Entertainment Cruises
• Entertainment and Sports Arena (see DC’s NBA G-league team Capital City Go-Go)
• Ford’s Theatre (Aftermath Exhibits remain open to daytime visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; performances of A Christmas Carol continue as scheduled through Dec. 30, 2018; Petersen House operated by National Park Service is TBD.)
• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
• International Spy Museum (through Jan. 1, 2019)
• The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
• Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.
• Museum of the Bible
• National Building Museum
• National Cathedral
• National Law Enforcement Museum
• National Geographic Museum
• National Museum of Women and the Arts
• National Theatre
• Nationals Park
• Newseum
• Old Town Trolley Tours
• Open Top Sightseeing (certain loops)
• Phillips Collection (permanent collection is free on weekdays)
• Tudor Place
• Union Station
• U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
• Washington Walks
• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
• The Wharf

Potential impact to attractions include:

• Some public museums including the Smithsonian Institution (including National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the Zoo) would likely be subject to closures at some point because they are funded by the federal government.
• National Gallery of Art TBD
• Monuments/open-air parks run by the National Park Service TBD