Smithsonian to reopen National Zoo, seven museums in May Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP FILE - In this April 3, 2019, file photo people visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Ave., in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) and last updated 2021-04-23 17:02:29-04 On Friday, the Smithsonian announced it's reopening seven of its museums and the National Zoo next month after temporarily closing them due to the coronavirus pandemic. The reopening will happen in stages, beginning May 5, when they reopen the National Air and Space Museumâs Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.