Cooling Off: The Smithsonian's Shutdown Reveals a Broader Chill on American History The sudden shutdown of seven Smithsonian museums along Washington D. C.
's National Mall has sent shockwaves through the nation's capital. Behind the scenes, a long simmering feud between the White House and the nation's premier cultural institution is playing out in real time.
The decision to close the South Mall museums due to a disruption in the chilled water supply needed for cooling systems and humidity controls raises more questions than answers.