The Smithsonian Institution, a major network of museums and research centers in Washington, D.C., has closed its doors due to the ongoing government shutdown. This closure impacts 21 institutions and marks a significant development as the shutdown enters its second week. The National Gallery of Art also remains closed for the same reasons, affecting public access to national cultural treasures.
Key Takeaways
- Smithsonian Institution museums closed due to government shutdown.
- The closure affects 21 museums and facilities in Washington, D.C.
- This shutdown follows previous financial challenges for the institution.
- A significant Ruth Asawa art exhibition at MoMA is making records.
- An unrecorded Paul Gauguin painting will go to auction.
- Kate Bush is organizing an art fundraiser for children affected by war.
Government Shutdown Affects National Museums
The Smithsonian Institution announced its closure this weekend. This decision came after the organization exhausted its emergency funds. These funds had allowed it to remain open during the initial days of the government shutdown. The institution typically relies on federal funding for its operations. Without this funding, it cannot continue to operate.
According to Alex Greenberger for ARTnews, the network of 21 museums and galleries has faced scrutiny from the current administration. Its closure highlights the broader impact of the federal funding lapse on public services and cultural institutions. The National Gallery of Art, another federally funded museum, has been closed since the previous weekend.
Background on the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. It includes 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. Most of its facilities are located in Washington, D.C. It is often referred to as 'the nation's attic' due to its vast collections. The institution receives a significant portion of its funding from the U.S. government.
Ruth Asawa Retrospective Sets New Records
In other art news, a traveling retrospective of artist Ruth Asawa is making history. The exhibition, opening at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on October 19, appears to be the museum's largest show ever dedicated to a woman artist. This is based on the sheer number of objects included in the display.
The MoMA version of the exhibition features 376 works. It is set to occupy all 16,000 square feet of the museum’s sixth floor. Interestingly, MoMA has not publicly billed the show as record-breaking. The museum seems not to have recognized this significant milestone in its own history.
"While these remarkable portraits have been on display many times over the last 250 years, it will be extra special to see Marie Antoinette as she actually was, rather than mistaking her for her sister," said Marc-Olivier Wahler, director of the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva.
Exhibition Travels from San Francisco
The exhibition originated at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). There, it showcased 327 pieces. SFMOMA only confirmed it was their largest exhibition by a woman artist after Jori Finkel of The Art Newspaper made an inquiry. At MoMA, curator Cara Manes stated it is "a safe claim to make" regarding its record-breaking size for a woman artist. However, MoMA has not yet made an explicit confirmation.
The retrospective includes a recreation of Asawa's living room. This space is complete with the signature wire sculptures that once hung there. This immersive element provides visitors with a personal glimpse into the artist's life and work.
Ruth Asawa's Impact
Ruth Asawa (1926–2013) was an American sculptor known for her intricate wire sculptures. Her work explored themes of nature, mathematics, and the human body. She was also a prominent advocate for arts education.
Rediscovered Gauguin Painting Heads to Auction
A previously forgotten work by Paul Gauguin from his famous Brittany period is scheduled for auction. The painting, titled Danse bretonne (Breton Dance) from 1889, has been held in a private collection for a long time. It will be sold at Artcurial in Paris on December 9.
The artwork is expected to fetch between €500,000 and €700,000, which is approximately $580,000 to $811,000. Before the auction, it will be exhibited in Paris during Art Basel this month, offering a rare public viewing opportunity. This discovery adds another piece to the understanding of Gauguin's influential early work.
Gustav Klimt Paintings Seek Backers
Sotheby’s is currently seeking third-party guarantees for three valuable Gustav Klimt paintings. These artworks are from the Leonard Lauder collection and are set for a November sale in New York. Sotheby’s has guaranteed the paintings itself but hopes to find a single backer for the pieces, which together are valued at $300 million. This strategy helps offset financial risk for the auction house.
Historical Portrait Identified as Maria Carolina, Not Marie Antoinette
A new study has revealed that a famous portrait by Jean-Étienne Liotard, long believed to depict young Marie Antoinette, actually features her older sister, Maria Carolina. This discovery changes the historical understanding of the artwork.
Marc-Olivier Wahler, director of the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva, commented on the finding. He stated, "While these remarkable portraits have been on display many times over the last 250 years, it will be extra special to see Marie Antoinette as she actually was, rather than mistaking her for her sister." This re-identification offers a fresh perspective for art historians and the public.
Chilean Artist Cecilia Vicuña Wins Prestigious Prize
Chilean artist Cecilia Vicuña has been awarded the 2025 Roswitha Haftmann Prize. This prestigious award includes a cash prize of 150,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately $187,000. The Roswitha Haftmann Prize is recognized as Europe’s largest award of its kind for artists.
Vicuña will formally receive the prize in a ceremony scheduled to take place in Zurich next month. Her work often addresses themes of ecology, human rights, and indigenous cultures, making her a significant voice in contemporary art.
Kate Bush Organizes Art Fundraiser for War-Affected Children
Musician Kate Bush has launched an initiative to raise money for children affected by war. This effort comes amid a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages and prisoners. Bush has invited 52 UK visual artists to donate artwork for an online auction.
Each artist is responding to a lyric from her hit song, "Running Up That Hill": "If I only could, I’d make a deal with God." Artists like Peter Doig and Maggi Hambling are contributing to the fundraiser. The online auction will run from October 28 to November 13.
Proceeds from the sale will go to War Child, a charity dedicated to aiding children in war-torn regions. These areas include Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. The initiative aims to provide support and resources to vulnerable young people impacted by conflict globally.