National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is dedicated to showcasing women artists
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the only major museum in the world dedicated entirely to the discovery and appreciation of women artists. Their collection has pieces ranging from the 1500s to modern day and includes a similarly wide range of styles and mediums. The collection has recently been reinstalled around common themes instead of chronological order, which I think is much more effective.
In keeping with their #5WomenArtists campaign in honor of Women’s History Month, I will showcase five works that I enjoyed during my recent visit.
The NMWA collection feels warmer and more accessible than some of the larger art museums in DC in part due to the cozier nature of its display and also because their staff are friendlier and seem less suspicious of visitors. While other museums often force you to stand behind a line separating you from the art, being able to stand close enough to “Father of Evolution: The Old Study of Charles Darwin” by Julie Roberts to quietly contemplate her brush strokes was my favorite part of my visit.
Andrea Higgins’ textile-inspired prints use patterns and texture to represent people. “Jackie (India)” is from a series of paintings inspired by First Ladies and is patterned after a dress Jackie Kennedy wore to India in 1961.
The breadth of NMWA’s collection will keep even amateur art adventurers (like me) interested. Paintings, sculpture, photographs, and installations can all be found in the same room. This giant bronze beetle (“Escarabajo Goliath (Goliathus cacicus)” by Clara Saldarriaga) creeps up the wall next to a seventeenth-century painting of flowers.
My favorite piece at the National Museum of Women in the Arts has recently been moved to a place of prominence on the mezzanine. “La Llamada (The Call)” by Remedios Varo is captivating. The central figure’s orange robes practically glow as she walks through a shadowed alley lined with entombed figures. The piece has both a softness as well as incredible details. I love the way her hair lassos the planets like a boss.
It would be remiss of me not to mention “Rainy Night, Downtown” by Georgia Mills Jessup, a Washington, DC native. The painting depicts the corner of 14th and H Streets, just one block from the NMWA. This scene has the familiarity of the view from the window of a bus commute on a rainy evening, which makes me adore it.
The building is as beautiful as the art it contains. Ironically, it was built as a Masonic Temple. The Freemasons are traditionally fraternal (men only) organizations but artistic women and their admirers now benefit from the beautiful design of the building.
The variety in NMWA’s collection means there is something that will appeal to everyone. While it may be hard to convince adventurers to pay for a museum in DC when there are so many free options, this one is definitely worth checking out. If you’re in the area at lunchtime, the tantalizing smells wafting from their cafe on the morning of my visit lead me to believe this would be a delicious addition to your adventure.
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Address
1250 New York Ave NW
Metro Station
- Metro Center (RD, OR, BL, SV)
- Gallery Place-Chinatown (RD, GR, YL)
- McPherson Square (OR, BL, SV)
Accessibility
The National Museum of Women in the Arts has a ramp at the main entrance on New York Avenue to accommodate wheelchairs. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all exhibit spaces and floors. Loaner wheelchairs are available at the security desk. Disabled individuals with a Personal Care Attendant can request free admission for their PCA.
Cost
$10.00
Free on the first Sunday of each month
Hours
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cafe open Monday to Friday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Length of Adventure
1-2 hours
