The Smithsonian will close some exhibits as soon as Wednesday, though these closures will not affect any major exhibitions.
The institution must reduce its budget by $42 million as part of Congress' across-the-board budget cuts, known as sequestration.
Spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas says the Smithsonian will close a small exhibit space in the National Museum of African Art, some sections of the Hirshhorn Museum displaying parts of its permanent collection and the Commons area of the Smithsonian Castle.
That area shows objects from every Smithsonian museum.
Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough told Congress this month that the budget cuts forced a reduction in the Smithsonian's security contract, resulting in some gallery closures.