The Smithsonian Institution in Washington said it is feeling the impact of the sequester budget cuts, and has closed sections of exhibit areas. No major exhibitions will be closed.
"A reduction in a contract for security that supplements the Smithsonian security force affects some museums. The safety and security of the public and our collections will not be compromised," said a notice on the Smithsonian website.
Closed to visitors through Sept. 30 (the end of the fiscal year) are the Commons in the Smithsonian Castle (a room displaying objects from the entire museum complex), part of the permanent exhibit called African Mosaic in the National Museum of African Art and sections of the permanent collection galleries on the third floor of the Hirshhorn Museum.