The Smithsonian Institution has temporarily closed its museums in Washington DC amid the US government shutdown.
The Smithsonian had used prior-year funds to remain open since the shutdown began on October 1. But it decided to temporarily close the museums from Sunday, as the shutdown drags on.
The institution operates more than 20 museums and a zoo in Washington and elsewhere. It is more than 60 percent federally funded.
Just outside the National Museum of Natural History, visitors were seen turning back and showing disappointment.
A woman from the state of Texas said: "It's very unfortunate. I had no idea that it was closed." She added some other museums are also closed, so tourists cannot enjoy them and other facilities.
Amid a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over a new spending plan, President Donald Trump's administration has started laying off federal workers.
A court filing by the Justice Department said more than 4,000 federal employees are believed to have received layoff notices at agencies including the Treasury Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Quiz 1:
What is the current status of the Smithsonian Institution's museums in Washington DC?
A. Open
B. Temporarily Closed
C. Permanently Closed
D. Not Affected by Shutdown

Quiz 2:
How much is the Smithsonian Institution more than 60 percent federally funded?
A. Less than 50%
B. Exactly 60%
C. More than 60% but less than 70%
D. More than 70%

Quiz 3:
Which of the following agencies has not received a layoff notice according to the court filing by the Justice Department?
A. Treasury Department
B. Department of Health and Human Services
C. Department of Homeland Security
D. Department of Transportation