National Museum of Women in the Arts

1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Address:	1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Phone:	+1 202-783-5000
Site:	nmwa.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Sam Bartley

This compact museum has a small but very carefully curated collection representing women artists from the 1400s to the present. Though the collection itself is small, it is highly diverse, with subjects ranging from flowers to feminism, Asian to Native American, and traditional to modern. The arrangement of these various themes in one space is quite intriguing and provides one of the few opportunities to see women artists as they were juxataposed against women artists of today. The building itself is stunning, with a fully restored entry hall and mezzanine floor, clean and modern bathrooms, and a cafe (open on the mezzanine floor M-F only). Main exhibition spaces are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor houses the special exhibits and the 3rd floor houses the primary collection. The overall exhibit design and curation are both very well done. Also included at the museum is an interactive exhibit on the 4th floor of feminist writer Simone De Beauvior and the museums special library. Special presentations and performances are held on the 5th floor.

Rachel Neilson

I was incredibly disappointed with my experience here for many reasons. First, the layout of the museum was very confusing and there was little to no directions posted inside and contradictory information as to where exhibits were and what floors were open. Secondly, and most importantly, there was hardly anything on display! There was on small exhibition on the ground floor, a few works hanging on the balcony and then one floor with artworks that were not organized very well. I visit a lot of museums around the world and I expected better quality and quantity. I almost felt like asking for my money back on the way out. There was also no museum staff around to ask questions to. Ive never written a review of a museum before but I felt compelled to write one for this museum because of my poor experience. This was not a good representation of women in the arts and I hate to discourage people for going since it is very important, just very poorly executed.

Pete LaMaster

I was expecting a museum full of art done BY women. There is some of that, but what there is - is disappointing: not museum quality - with a handful of exceptions. Worse, the entire first 2 floors are portraits of women in the arts - not their actual works - unless they are self-portraits. And they looked like giclees rather than actual paintings. The one bright spot was the architecture: beautiful staircase and chandeliers. We were finished with the whole museum in about 15 minutes. Definitely not worth $10 apiece.

A Private User

As the NMWA celebrates its 25th Anniversary (as a public museum; the collection was started in the 1970s by the Holladays), it is important to remember that academic reference books on Western art (i.e. Jansons History of Art) DID NOT CONTAIN THE NAME OF A SINGLE WOMAN ARTIST until 1986! The NMWA has played a critical role in writing women artists back into the historical record, and making sure that their works appear in this museum, as well as many more around the world!

Elizabeth McCarver

Ive been to art museum all over the US and Europe and this is still my favorite museum Ive ever been to. The museum is a testament to what the art world has lost out on by ignoring and excluding women for so many centuries. This museum is definitely a hidden treasure of DC. You can take your time admiring the art and not be bothered by enormous, irritating crowds. I cant wait to be back in town so I can visit again.

MICHAEL WALLOVER

A very impressive collection on display from the 17th century to present. The brochure states that the Museum has 4,700 pieces, but the size of the building definitely limits how much can be displayed. I went and saw the No Mans Land exhibition and was impressed by the artwork. The staff is friendly and I would visit this place again.

Laney McLean

This is a gorgeous building with a nice collection of art by women. They were setting up for a private event when I visited, so they didnt charge me admission. Thats good, because the setting up of tables, etc was a distraction. Otherwise, its a good size museum if you have an hour or two. Theres also a nice gift shop, of course.

Laura Eliasieh

This museum is welcoming. I arrived in between special exhibitions but enjoyed a tour of their permanent collections. I enjoyed seeing all these works of art by women, over the years, they even have a small 17th century collection. The female gaze and creative/intellectual mind at work.

Travis Curtis

Absolutely beautiful museum. We went for the "She who tells a story" exhibit which was amazing. The staff is very friendly. The exhibits are very well done. This museum isnt free and is a little bit off the National Mall but very much worth the short walk and $10 entry.

ihananny munoz

Beautiful place I wish there was more to see but overall great, waiting for the new exhibit and will definitely be coming back! I didnt pay any entry fee when I went in, the ladies at the front desk just handed me a brochure and said to enjoy the museum.

Juanita Bezuidenhout

A wonderful celebration of women and a great way to spend a rainy day when the city is in government lockdown. Gender equality still has a long way to go. Just look at the list of sponsors of the museum and notice the paucity of men supporting it.

Natalia Acosta Hurtado

Me encantó, un hermoso edificio y se nota la forma en que se aprecia el papel de la mujer en el arte

Nastaran Rashid Benam

I think it is a great idea of having such beautiful building devoted to artist women. But it needs to have more works of arts ....I am happy that I visited it on a day that the admission fee was waived so that would be worth it !!!

Catherine Falknor

Gorgeous space and building, excellent collection and special exhibitions, and fantastic education department. Go see it, listen to a concert, and have a meal! So convenient; its right at Metro Center.

Rosemary Lopez

Assisted at a wedding and gala, and I absolutely loved the staff and venue. Also, I had my birthday lunch at the Mezzanine Café, and the food was delicious! Overall, excellent place for events!

Melissa Bailey

They had an interesting variety there, and it is nice to see a museum dedicated to finding and giving credit to female artists. Only downside is its not free. But worth the price

Angela Hardiman

This is an amazing musuem. A little jewel in such a busy area of D.C. This will be my new go to spot when I have guest visiting. It was a great way to start my birthday month!

Center for Plastic Surgery

Wonderful museum celebrating women artist. It is a smaller collection than some other DC museums, but that means you can see the whole exhibit in a few hours.

Dennis Whitley IV

A beautiful museum with several different exhibits and several different art styles that all capture different narratives of what it means to be a woman in art.

Jerzy Lyczko

Kobieta , kobieta ,kobieta - to brzmi dumnie i wzniośle ...

Alix Pereira

Great museum for a gathering, party, or other occasion. Open spaces to mingle, but not too open that it feel cavernous. Nice exhibits to boot.

Kimberly Cunningham

The staff and security are very friendly and welcoming. The tour guide was friendly, funny, and interactive. I enjoyed my visit very much.

Brandi Breslin

Wonderful museum with beautiful exhibits and a variety of interesting works. The tour I followed was also fun. Great job, women!

Charles Bloch

Very nice museum highlighting women artists throughout history. Not free like the Smithsonian museums, but worth the price.