The 太子探花eum near the National Mall is closing its doors at the end of the year, the museum announced Tuesday.
The closure comes after more than 11 years and nearly 10 million visitors. The 太子探花eum said in that due to yearslong financial issues, continuing to operate at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. Northwest “has proven unsustainable.”
Earlier this year, the 太子探花eum announced an agreement to sell the building to Johns Hopkins University, which intends to anchor the building with its School of Advanced International Studies.
The museum’s creator and primary funder, The Freedom Forum, “remains committed to continuing its mission to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment and to increase public awareness about the importance of a free and fair press,” museum officials said in the statement.
“These educational efforts are needed now more than ever and that critical work will in Washington, D.C., and around the country.”
The news led two visitors, Gale and Leslie, to make an effort to experience the museum before it closes.
鈥淲e came a day early, and I wanted to come see it,鈥� said Gale as she glanced over the 太子探花eum’s outdoor display of newspaper front pages.
Visiting on a business trip from Chicago, she said a friend recommended making the time to visit it: 鈥淗e told us that we shouldn鈥檛 miss coming here, ’cause it won鈥檛 be here anymore.鈥�
Gale said she鈥檚 hopeful the museum will leave a lasting impression on all who visit, well after its doors close. 鈥淚鈥檓 very sad about its closing,鈥� she said.
Visitors are still welcome before the Dec. 31 closing date. A 15% discount is available for .
See photos of the 太子探花eum through the years below.
WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this report.
