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# Cooling System Malfunction Shutters Seven Smithsonian Museums
- URL: https://hyperallergic.com/cooling-system-malfunction-shutters-seven-smithsonian-museums/
- Published: 2026-08-06T18:22:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-06T18:22:52.000Z
- Description: Washington, DC, is experiencing yet another swampy summer, with heat index values reaching near 100 degrees.
- Author: Anna Lee
- Tags: News, Washington DC, Smithsonian Institution

Seven Smithsonian locations in Washington, DC, closed today, August 6, due to a "mechanical issue." 

According to the institution's announcement on [X](https://x.com/smithsonian/status/2085334859468210606?ref=hyperallergic.com), the affected museums include the National Museum of the American Indian, Hirshhorn Museum, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Castle, Arts and Industries Building, and the S. Dillon Ripley Center. 

A Smithsonian representative told the [*Washington Post*](https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/08/06/7-smithsonian-buildings-closed-over-mechanical-issue/?ref=hyperallergic.com) that the buildings had stopped receiving cold water from their cooling system. The city is experiencing yet another swampy summer, with today's heat index values reaching near or above 100 degrees (\~38 Celsius). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/2026/08/Smithsonian_Castle_-1--1.jpg)

 An exterior of The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2025\. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The announcement recalls the [closure](https://washingtonian.com/2025/07/15/ac-problem-closes-four-smithsonian-museums-on-the-national-mall/?ref=hyperallergic.com) of four Smithsonian locations last summer, due to central plant issues that disrupted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning control. After three days, the museum reopened to the public.

It is not yet clear whether the mechanical issue will affect any of the buildings' collections, as many must be maintained under climate-controlled conditions. The Smithsonian has not responded to *Hyperallergic*'s request for comment. 

There are currently no details about a reopening timeline for the buildings. Further updates will appear on the Smithsonian's virtual [visitor center page](https://www.si.edu/visit?ref=hyperallergic.com).