Government Shutdown Updates with Unscripted Tours

UPDATE

Congress has passed appropriations November 12, 2025 and the federal government has reopened. Here is a running status update:

• Smithsonian Museums that are featured on our tours:

  • American History and Air and Space opened Friday Nov 14

  • Natural History opens Saturday Nov 15 at 12pm

• Library Of Congress is open to the public

• US Capitol is open for tours

• US Supreme Court is open to the public

• Library of Congress is open to the public

• Ford's Theatre and the Peterson House is open for tours

• Arlington National Cemetery was unaffected by the shutdown and is under normal operations and the Arlington House is now open to the public

• National Gallery of Art

  • The West building (old masters) opened Friday Nov 14

  • The East building (modern art) opens Saturday Nov 15

• National Archives is open for tours

We have a running list of what tours are currently operating and how they are affected on our homepage.

We have also added new Food Tours that run daily!

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Explore the Buildings and Museums

The Original Capitol Hill tour is running! Your guide will provide a wealth of information about the Library of Congress and the United States Capitol while showing you the most beautiful photo opportunities. This tour will also enter the US Supreme Court and finish with a bonus stop at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Arlington Cemetery is open as normal, and our guides look forward to showing you highlights like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the impressive Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

The Lincoln Assassination tour continues with a walk through the historic Penn Quarter neighborhood. Your guide will set the stage for the night of the assassination. You'll see the exterior of Ford's Theatre and Petersen House, along with museum exhibits describing the aftermath of Lincoln's death. Bonus stops are planned along the route, concluding with the last known photo of Lincoln inside the National Portrait Gallery.

No changes here! One of our most popular tours will lead guests through the Museum of Natural History, the Air & Space Museum, and the Museum of American History. You will see the best that these museums have to offer.

The National Gallery of Art tour runs as normal, so you can see the only da Vinci in the Americas and many other American treasures.

Experience the Neighborhoods

Government Shutdown or Not, We'll See You on Tour!

While many of the major historic sites close at 5 or 5:30, that’s when the local city comes alive. You can join us for a Dark Tour and see what Washington looks like in the shadows. Our Capital Scandals tour kicked off our Dark Series and covers some of the most notorious stories since Congress took over Jenkins Hill in 1800.

An evening view of the Library of Congress. Photo Source

The Dark Dupont tour showcases a very different side of Washington D.C. While politics is what D.C. is most famous for, there was a Gilded Age era here. The mansions of the rich and powerful were gathered into the Dupont neighborhood. While few of the homes are still privately owned, many live on as embassies, clubs, and high-end apartment living. Our guides will share the stories of the parties, the scandals, and the downfall of some of D.C.’s wealthiest residents.

Larz Anderson House, the home of the Society of Cincinnati. Photo Credit Carly Bruckmann

Speaking of wealthy residents, our final Dark Tour meanders through the tiny neighborhood of Georgetown. This tour combines the politics of the Capitol Hill tour with the scandals of Dupont and adds a dash of spies to the mix. Georgetown, the oldest part of Washington D.C. today, hides its secrets behind the brick walls and shuttered windows of old money. Your guide will bring you to some of the most expensive real estate in town and tell you about what happens behind those doors. And don’t worry, we will finish with the true story of the Exorcist and its famous staircase because it wouldn’t be a Dark Tour without it.

The Exorcist steps, a favorite stop on the Georgetown Tour. Photo Credit Laura Bruckmann, Unscripted Tours

For a full listing of our options, check our website. We look forward to seeing you on tour soon!

Why Choose Unscripted Tours?

When you choose Unscripted, you're not just signing up for a tour; you're embarking on an adventure filled with stories, insights, and unique perspectives. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing the rich history and culture of Washington D.C. with you.

Unique Experiences Await

We offer a variety of original experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the city, we have something for everyone. Our tours are designed to be engaging and informative, ensuring you leave with a deeper understanding of D.C.'s past and present.

Connect with the City

Walking through the streets of Washington D.C. allows you to connect with the city in a way that a bus tour simply can't. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, interact with your guide, and truly immerse yourself in the experience. Each tour is a chance to discover hidden gems and learn fascinating stories that you won't find in guidebooks.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey

So, what are you waiting for? Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Washington D.C. Our tours are not just about seeing the sights; they are about experiencing the stories that make this city unique. We can't wait to share our passion and knowledge with you!

For more information and to book your tour, visit unscripted.tours. See you soon!