Smithsonian Budget Request Would Fall 11% as Congress Weighs Funding
The Smithsonian is seeking $961.3 million for fiscal 2027 as Congress debates funding, museum construction and the institution’s independence.
Smithsonian Institution
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Smithsonian Reopens Castle and Arts and Industries Building for America’s 250th
The Smithsonian’s 2026 America at 250 program brings two historic National Mall buildings back into public use alongside exhibitions, conversations and cultural events across the United States and three U.S. territories.
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Smithsonian National Zoo schedules three-day EleFest for August 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will hold EleFest Aug. 7–9, 2026, a public program focused on elephants, culture and conservation ahead of World Elephant Day.
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Smithsonian’s ‘By the People’ program brings 250th-anniversary history discussions to communities nationwide
The Smithsonian and the Federation of State Humanities Councils are coordinating community-driven programs across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories through August 2026.
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Trump orders executive changes at Smithsonian in bid to restore ‘trust’ in institution
Executive Order 14416 directs a White House-led review of Smithsonian exhibitions, educational materials and public programming for what the administration characterizes as inappropriate ideology or political content.
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Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building stays open through Sept. 7 for America’s 250th anniversary
The Smithsonian’s historic Arts and Industries Building opened June 16 and will host public access and cultural programming through Sept. 7, 2026.
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Smithsonian Extends ‘American Aspirations’ Exhibition Through Aug. 10 Anniversary
The Smithsonian will keep its “American Aspirations” exhibition open at the Smithsonian Castle through Aug. 10, extending access through the institution’s 180th anniversary and its America 250 programming.
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White House orders warning signs outside Smithsonian history museum
A July 24 executive order directs temporary signs and exhibits outside the Smithsonian history museum, but does not itself change the museum’s interior displays.
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Trump Order Targets Smithsonian’s Public Space With New Signs
Executive Order 14416 directs agencies to pursue signs and temporary exhibits near the National Museum of American History, but not to take over its galleries.
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White House Orders Smithsonian Signs in Fight Over U.S. History
A July 24 order directs temporary signs and exhibits outside the Smithsonian history museum, while leaving its interior exhibits and leadership unchanged for now.
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House Oversight grills Smithsonian on “rewriting history” claims—what next
On July 21, 2026, House Oversight questioned Smithsonian officials after a July 4 White House report alleged “activist ideology.” What Congress can do next.