The Smithsonian Institution temporarily closed seven buildings along the National Mall on Thursday after a temperature-control system failure affected indoor conditions.
The affected sites included the Smithsonian Castle, the Arts and Industries Building, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of Asian Art, the National Museum of African Art, and the S. Dillon Ripley Center.
According to the institution, chilled water used to regulate temperature and humidity stopped reaching the facilities, prompting the shutdown. The U.S. General Services Administration said a 90-year-old power plant experienced an operational interruption and that teams were working to restore service as quickly as possible.
The temporary closure highlights how essential building systems support the preservation of art, artifacts, and visitor experiences across major cultural institutions. As maintenance and infrastructure technologies evolve, museums may become even more resilient in protecting public collections for future generations.
