Smithsonian to keep regular hours even if $40 million budget cut takes effect
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. Flickr.com / Peter Bond
Skift Take
The amount seems large, but $40 million translates into only 5% of Smithsonian's annual budget, so it will likely find ways to operate normally, at least for now.
The world's largest museum complex is bracing for a $40 million cut in funding due to the budget stalemate in Congress, but the Smithsonian Institution is vowing to keep the doors open at its museums and the National Zoo.
Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas said the attractions that serve 30 million people a year will maintain normal visiting hours if automatic federal spending cuts take effect Friday.
Instead of reducing operating hours, the Smithsonian is preparing to absorb a 5 percent funding cut in other ways. Maintenance and new construction will be
