For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. Government began shutting down on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.
The U.S. Congress remains divided over an agreement to fund President Obama's Obamacare health plan.
As of this morning, thousands of government workers began clearing their desks and have been ordered to leave work until further notice is given.
Not only will government workers be affected by the shutdown, but tourists visiting DC will not be able to visit the iconic monuments and museums.
The following are museums and venues that will be closed today: Smithsonian's National Zoo Smithsonian museums and galleries National Gallery of Art U.S. Capitol Visitor Center U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Library of Congress National Archives National Mall and Memorial Parks
The following places will be open: National Museum of Women in the Arts International Spy Museum Newseum Sixth & I Historic Synagogue The Phillips Collection Arlington National Cemetery President Lincoln's Cottage George Washington's Mount Vernon Folger Shakespeare Library Ford's Theatre Eastern Market The Howard Theatre The Kennedy Center Corcoran Gallery of Art The Mansion on O Street Madame Tussauds National Building Museum Tudor Place The Crime Museum National Geographic Museum
