Smithsonian Inundated With Leaks, GAO Reports

"In terms of leaks, and in terms of repairs that have shut exhibits or come close to damaging artifacts . . . so far the Smithsonian has been pretty lucky, and the mission hasn't been unduly compromised," Goldstein says. "But the day may come when they face bigger problems."

The GAO study says the disrepair isn't because of neglect or mismanagement. The Smithsonian's Office of Facilities Engineering and Operations, which was created in a 2003 reorganization that centralized Smithsonian administration, is strapped by staffing reductions and a tight budget.

GAO analysts recommend that Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small and his brain trust seek "viable funding options" and "alternatives." (Hint: Beg and borrow private funds to fix up the house.)

Public contributions have been raised to construct Smithsonian buildings in the past -- including a third of the cost to build the National Museum of the American Indian and the entire cost to build the Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles. And $25 million in public funds was raised for renovations to cover the Old Patent Office Building's courtyard.

But reroofing? Plumbing? Water pipes and toilet repairs? Not as glamorous for donors.

"We have donors who have been enormously generous," says Burke. "But, frankly, their interest is not plumbing and electrical. Their interest is in helping us to revitalize the public exhibits. . . . They believe plumbing to be a federal responsibility to protect the federal treasures which are our nation's collection."

One option is to reconsider charging an entrance fee to the museums -- which would be a first for the Smithsonian. "Obviously, the public does not pay to enter Smithsonian facilities," says Goldstein, whose report did not make specific recommendations about raising the money. The Smithsonian's board of regents has on several occasions rejected the idea of charging its 20 million visitors a year even a nominal fee.

"We are gifted in that the American public, through tax dollars, support us. Unlike almost every museum in the world, we are open to the public without the impediment of a fee, which to some families, no matter how small, might be a barrier," says Burke, insisting the Smithsonian will continue to depend on private donors and its "friends in Congress and in the administration" for needed support. "We want the nation's treasures accessible to everyone."

Says Goldstein: "They need a way to address funding issues. It is hard to see exactly how they get out of this quickly."