While the U.S. federal government is partially closed, our museums and the National Zoo will be OPEN through Jan. 1. If the partial shutdown continues beyond Jan. 1, all Smithsonian museums and the zoo will be closed starting Jan. 2.
Hundreds of graduate students and holders of doctorates come to the Smithsonian to do independent research under the guidance of a member of our world-class research staff. Fellows have the opportunity to study and work intensively with Smithsonian collections and experts in their fields and beyond. In addition, more than 1,500 students pursue internships offered across the organization.