National Museum of Women in the Arts is a Art museum located at 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005. It has received 1302 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.
Monday | 10AM-5PM |
---|---|
Tuesday | 10AM-5PM |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | 10AM-5PM |
Friday | 10AM-5PM |
Saturday | 10AM-5PM |
Sunday | 10AM-5PM |
The address of National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
National Museum of Women in the Arts has 4.6 stars from 1302 reviews
Art museum
"I was pretty disappointed by this museum"
"This compact museum has a small but very carefully curated collection representing women artists from the 1400s to the present"
"I went to see the Rodarte fashion exhibit and it was wonderful"
"With so many museums in Washington DC where one does not have to pay an entrance fee, it is hard to get to some of these that charge admission"
"Beautiful museum! I’ve been here once before and was a little disappointed in the lack of art from women of color but I must say that has changed tremendously"
I was pretty disappointed by this museum. It’s clear that they have a lot of really sensational pieces in their collection, but the execution left much to be desired. First, the space is weirdly used - an empty foyer while other art is crowded out leaving some pieces sequestered by bathrooms and elevators. Even the labelling is odd, sometimes curving around corners or being unclear what it’s referring to. Further, some of (in my opinion) the best works were placed on the stairs and by the elevators. We visitors block each other on the staircases because those places are where we are faced with art that makes us think. Perhaps most disappointing to me is that instead of giving any image of what “women in art” looks like through the storytelling you see in any good exhibit, the museum’s galleries are weirdly slapped-together, almost at random it sometimes feels, with vague themes like “spaces”. The museum purports to show us women in art, but I felt like the museum’s approach wasn’t thoughtful enough to do this. There’s no tactful examination of differing experiences of women, no portrayal of other dimensions like race or class, and no reflections on history or the future. The only exceptions to this were the special exhibitions: “Sonya Clark: Tatter, Bristle, and Mend” and “Mary Ellen Mark: Girlhood.” Those were both phenomenal, and I wish such thoughtful and coherent approaches could be taken for the other exhibits. As I said, this is a great collection, but I think there needs to be a reevaluation of how the museum is organized. There needs to be some semblance of storytelling or thought in order to make these exhibits hit home. Until then, I wouldn’t recommend this place, especially since the museums in its vicinity are much better for the low, low price of free.
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 museum's special library. Special presentations and performances are held on the 5th floor.
I went to see the Rodarte fashion exhibit and it was wonderful. I have seen other fashion exhibits and this one was quite different. Smaller and more intimate. Since I didn't know much about the designers I thought the exhibit text was well positioned and detailed enough to allow for a very good understanding of the designers aesthetics and intents but not too much to read. One criticism was to do with how the museum laid out the exhibit in that it was not clear where the start was. Thanks to the help of a very good exhibit security person I was quickly directed to the start of the exhibit. Well worth seeing these designers' clothing for they are fashion disruptors. The museum itself is small but packed with evocative artwork by women. A beautiful building and quite enjoyable to spend time in. Due to the fact that we went during a snowstorm we did not pay an entry fee but there is one usually. The gift shop was closed due to the storm. One last item. The cafe is closed on Sundays.
With so many museums in Washington DC where one does not have to pay an entrance fee, it is hard to get to some of these that charge admission. I've wanted to go to this museum for several years, and I am very happy I finally did. The collection is fast and compelling and playful and disturbing and surprising.in most museums it takes me 10 to 20 minutes before I see a work of art that was created by a woman. I was particularly grateful to be in a space where all of the art is created by women. do you have to pay an entrance fee to get in, if you have the time and money, I recommend you check out the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Beautiful museum! I’ve been here once before and was a little disappointed in the lack of art from women of color but I must say that has changed tremendously. I visited 2 weeks ago with my cousin and we were both happy to see new exhibits by female artist of color. They have a great collection of work right now that everyone can enjoy. The art work is beautiful, meaningful and touching all at the same time. It isn’t free and the tickets sell out fast, so I would definitely recommend buying a ticket before you go. They do have Covid safety precautions in place, so you have to stay 6 ft. apart and wear a mask.
I hadn't been here in over 10 years at least. My friend was in town, and we wanted to see the "She Who Tells a Story" exhibit. Usually, you have to pay admission, but since they were setting up for a private event and blocked most of the doorways, they let us go in without paying admission. Score! We only wanted to see the one exhibit, so it really worked out. The exhibit was great. I loved it. Being Persian, it hit home for me. The gift store is cute and a good size. The security and staff members were all so nice, accommodating and helpful. It's a beautiful building and DC is fortunate to have this museum.
AWESOME metal work exhibit - so many beautiful, thought provoking pieces! Totally blown away! Will visit again to further absorb and connect with this exhibit. Such a beautiful museum. Very quit, even on weekends, allowing for a more personal interaction with the art. Easy dial in place cards per piece where you can listen to the artist speak about her art-really enjoyed this. Nice gift shop with a very friendly staff. I ended up having to wait in line for 10 min to get a ticket (prior customer needed a more tedious wrapping/gifting process) and they gave me free access to the museum to make up for my time.
I felt lucky to visit this museum at no charge in its final week before closing for two years (!!) for renovations. Although one main gallery was already fully closed, the ones I visited were masterfully curated with works that span a wide range of styles and mediums. All pieces are made by and feature women at various points in time and space. The stories of each piece can be cherished individually, and collectively demonstrate the effort of women to center their experiences and lives. I'm eager to see what their renovations are when it reopens.
Definitely not a bland collection. Something for everyone here, except maybe young children. Be sure not to miss the unique Confederate Flag display. An update: the Confederate Flag display is now gone, and the museum is gearing up to shut down for renovations. Some floors are now closed off to visitors. Not worth the price of admission anymore. I felt I deserved a rebate after viewing it last weekend. Hopefully, they will be new and improved when they reopen after renovations. My rating would change to maybe 2 stars now.
Beautiful museum with so many individual pieces, the staff is extremely sweet and helpful. Even with some areas closed there was a lot to see and so many interesting facts about the pieces. The art envelopes you and allows you to come to your own conclusions then as you read about it your mind is opened to new perspectives. I absolutely love how these pieces though from all different time periods are timeless. One of my favorite museums so far and doesn’t surprise me that they were all done by women.
Small museum of art with an amazing collection. It is a for fee museum, but well worth the cost of admission. Featured works by Frida Kahlo, Kay Sage and Remedios Varo made the trip worth it for me. The collection includes a wide range of of works spanning several centuries. It is a modest collection, but though it be small it is fierce! There were many contemporary works and the featured exhibits were well curated.
Not a free museum! Entry fee is reasonable but if you are expecting free entry like Smithsonian's think again. Museum brags about having Frida Kahlo but there is so much amazing gorgeous work here that they really don't need to rely on one Kahlo painting. Really, just go. The building is beautiful and the art selection is varied and interesting. Absolutely worth paying an entry fee and I'm definitely going back.
I've had a membership to this museum for several years. I anytime someone ask me for something to do off the mall I usually suggest this museum. It was the first place I saw an Amy Sherald painting. After that I went up to Baltimore to see more. Years later she would create the portrait for Michelle Obama. The building is currently under renovation but once it's open again I'm sure it will be spectacular.
First view the brief videos at the ground floor entrance. They offer a glimpse of some of the contemporary artists whose work is upstairs. Then start at the top and work your way down. Don’t miss the artwork on the stunning stairways and mezzanine. The museum is housed in a gorgeous example of neoclassical irony.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
The NMWA opened in 1987 as the only museum in the world dedicated to women artists. It has now reopened after being closed for major renovations and it's fabulous. Old favorites are joined by works never seen before in a new setting. The current temporary exhibit, The Sky's the Limit, will only be on view until February and is worth a visit. Check for free days and special programs.
I went during free day and other museums in the area are closed for the shutdown so there were lines for viewing some exhibits. The marble interior was beautiful but I was hoping female musicians, actresses, and other public figures would be in the spotlight for women being recognized instead of the arts from mostly private collections and from clothing designers I will never wear.
A beautiful space filled with art created by women through the ages. Ticket price was very reasonable and the experience well worth the money. Be prepared to spend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours appreciating the works. Who knew that Sarah Bernhardt was not only an actress but a talented sculptor! Sonja Clark's collection is a temporary exhibit i believe through the summer.
It's awesome that this one of a kind museum exists. It's a paid museum of $10 which isn't bad. It's a nice sized museum and isn't over crowded like the Smithsonians. A large variety of work from old to current, paintings, photographs, sculpture, etc. A nice representation of women of color, which is great to see. The foyer room is beautiful as well. Highly recommend.
This place was FANTASTIC !! There was just something about being amongst so much creativity that came from women that was exhilarating and magnetic. And the gift shop!! It was on the expensive side but they had such cool items!! Hard not to spend a ton, but I got some great things! The Rodarte exhibit was breathtaking. Will definitely return!
Went during the Book Fair which provided a busy, but unique experience. On Sundays the museum is free to the public so expect crowds. The second floor is a special exhibit, if short on time skip to head upstairs to see the Frida Kahlo! Enjoyed the special collection “more is more” in Mezzanine which critics how we consume female work.
I hadn't heard of this museum on my prior visits to DC, but I was very excited to have found it this time around through the ownerof the AirBnB I was staying at. It was such a great museum! Big enough and with a wide variety to suit all different tastes, but small enough to feel like you can truly see and appreciate the whole thing.
Beautiful! they have this super interesting way of presenting the descriptions, you get a envelope and they have highlighted pieces that you can learn more about. They have so many great artist from Annie Leibovitz to Frida Khalo, my favourite is not pictured, but it's a sculpture of four seated figures. check this place out!
Absolutely loved my visit to this museum. There were very few people there, I hope that changes. The people working there were so nice and talked to us about the art. The bathrooms were clean. The size of the museum was good because you didn't feel overwhelmed, you easily could take your time and appreciate all the work.
Amazing building! Lavishly decorated inside with exquisite chandeliers and pink marble. There is a quantitative lack of pieces, but that's understandable seeing as there are so few women artists. They have a wonderful exhibit there until February 10, 2019 featuring dresses from Rodarte. As a fashion buff, I am in love.
Great museum, just $10 and there is a worthy guided tour. It is a beautiful building, the exhibits are well organized and they have a good sample of women artists work. The “Heavy metal” exhibition is creative and interesting, I recommend to listen to the artists’ audio tour on your phone while you enjoy their work.
This is an AMAZING museum! It costs $10 for an adult to get in, but that is well worth it! There are 5 floors of women artists from at early as the 1500s a the way to present day. The space that all of these works are located in is lovely. I just can't say enough about this place. WELL WORTH THE COST OF ADMISSION!
This museum makes you stand up and cheer! To see art by women of every stripe in every medium is pure bliss. They practically had to throw us out at closing time. This experiece is one women of every age should have—and men! There is much to be gleaned and a library if you want to get into the nuts and bolts!
cute little musume with artwork from some of my favorite artists. it is small but the renovation looks splended. i do wish they had more works of very famous woman artists.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15
What a gem! Skip the lines at the Smithsonian and spend a few hours at this gorgeous museum. Come for the art, stay for the delicious irony that a former Masonic temple - where women were forbidden - is now home to THE women's art museum!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
I was fortunate to visit during a wonderful Judy Chicago exhibit (photos not allowed in that section). It's a joy to see women artists celebrated in this beautiful museum! In addition, the permanent collection is wonderful and new exhibits will make return visits interesting.
I've photographed a dozen weddings here over the years, and it's one of my all time favorite venues in Washington DC! the architecture is incredible, and the modern art on the top floor is a fantastic space for cocktail hour and some bonus creative photos. ig @iamthesam
This is an inspiring and wide ranging collection of art! A one of a kind, unapologetic representation of women artists. A must see for anyone in DC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free
Finesse! Try to guess the meaning, or stories and ideas the Arts represent before reading the description on the wall. The Eye popping works from several great artists will engage and refresh your mind Love them all.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Very cool to see an all women's art museum. The staff was super friendly, and admission was $10. My one grievance was that I felt like there was a lot of empty space in the ground floor. I did enjoy what I saw, though. Learned about a lot of artists I never heard of!
This museum is newly renovated and well worth a visit. They have an exceptional selection of works and the building is really beautiful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20
There were many artists featured using different styles of art. It's interesting to see each person's interpretation of what constitutes art.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20
The museum itself is beautiful, the art exceptional. I appreciate that they arranged work by themes, not chronologically or nationally.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15
This museum is exceptional! The exhibitions are beautiful and thought provoking. The visit was inspiring and exhilarating. To have this as my first cultural experience after the year we all had (the year of covid-19) was the perfect way to get back to life!
Very varied artwork, some of which was obviously created for showing in a museum or somewhere else that could accommodate a huge installation. Very colorful and creative.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
I loved my visit. The exhibits of women's art is refreshing and historically informative.The atmosphere is clean, airy, and inviting. My visit was during the Covid and the museum adhered fantastically to the safety guidelines. Check website for tickets.
The Museum is in a beautiful building a few minutes walk from Metro Center metro stop. The exhibits were great, and there was lots of space to social distance. Security guards were very friendly and gave us extra insights into the artworks on display.
There was a nice collection of paintings and photographs. It is always nice to see more representation of women artists. The special exhibit was a bit weird but still enjoyable. I had the impression there would be a lot of Kahlo but I only saw one.
Very beautifully decorated museum close to Metro Center. Love the concept of this museum — highlighting the works of women specifically. The ground floor of the museum is so gorgeous! I think you can even rent the space for a wedding venue.
Was already a must-experience museum before the 2021-2023 renovation and is even moreso now. The permanent collection is vast and the ephemeral shows are always thought provoking and showcase massive talent. Great gift shop is always a plus.
What a collection of incredible artists, and they're all women! Both historical and contemporary works, photography, sculpture. They have very interactive guide and great wall text. I was very impressed with how provocative the collections
I went to this museum in order to see the Rodarte exhibition, which was fabulous! The staff at the help desk was very friendly. After looking at the exhibit, I decided to visit the gift shop, and possibly purchase a souvenir to commemorate
An unexpected gem in DC, likely overlooked because it is not a free museum. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10
We hosted our wedding reception here and It was absolutely gorgeous! The marble was cleaned and looked great with our setup. The facility was well maintained, and security was helpful. We could not think of a better place to have had our
Museum is beautiful. I do find irony in a museum celebrating the accomplishments of women, that has no changing tables in the bathroom. Especially since women are typically the ones caring for infants. I put my daughter's blanket on the
Love this museum. Can’t wait to visit again. Their 30 minute lunch lecture series is such a great idea. Between the gorgeous open mezzanine to the upper floor galleries, you really get the best of old world charm and contemporary spaces.
They have a Frida Kahlo!!!! That for me was the best part of the museum, although of course the museum as a whole was amazing. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you’ve already been to DC and looking to visit an underrated spot.
A wonderful collection of women’s art in a beautiful space. Very well done. We really enjoyed our visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20
Amazing collection in a stunning building. I could sit and look at Janaina Tschäpe's “100 Little Deaths” for a solid year and not get bored. (But you can't do that! since it's only there through 20 January 2020! hurry!!)
An interesting and eclectic mix of art created by women. Paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints as well as mixed media and alternate media. Give yourself a couple of hours to browse. Gift shop on the ground floor.
A beautiful museum with four floors’ worth of paintings and all kinds of art by exclusively women. A wonderful experience with such empowering energy. Their gift shop was full of unique gifts too. I highly recommend!
It is just nice to have such a place. Although I'm not a fan of identitarian politics since we can never be labeled by a singular id, it is a fact that women rarely get enough space to present their talent of arts.
This place has magic (art) that speaks beautifully about and for women. Worth the price of admission two times over at least.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$16–20
I went to a free community day for the opening of Betsabee Romero's outdoor sculpture. The concept was travel and migration. The artist spoke quite movingly. The sculptures are visible along New York Ave NW.
Went for free during a sponsored week and loved it! The focus on women’s art is needed in museum spaces. Loved seeing some protest art and classical pieces. Was consistently enthralled by the collections!
Good but refined collection of women artists with a variety of styles. Can easily spend an hour or two walking around. They do free admission the first Sunday of the month if you are on a tight budget.
great museum, the architecture is phenomenal and everybody was super friendly. tickets are very affordable— i didn’t have time to check out the gift shop but i definitely recommend coming here!
A wonderful venue for showcasing the artistic achievements of women artists. A beautiful building. You will learn a great deal about women artists, especially those who are not household names.
It's a gemstone in the heart of DC. Looking forward to seeing more added to the collection in the future
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Elegant work of art I simply fell in love with this place. Paintings were so beautiful it seem in reality you are part of the picture /painting. I recommend to visit while in Washington DC.
It's a treat to visit this museum! All of the exhibits are laid out so beautifully, and they offer a free audio tour, using your cellphone. Quite an enjoyable stop at a reasonable price.
What a wonderful museum with so many amazing pieces in it! It had everything from oil paintings, to sculptures, to fiber art. The staff was helpful and friendly. Definitely check it out!
It was the highlight of my trip. Get a profit tour. It is worth the money. We had a guide named Doug . He was very knowledgeable and showed us things that most people will over look.
Really nice museum. The architecture was amazing with the marble staircases and all. The art work was also nice. The photographs were really cool. Especially the one of Lucille Ball.
Interesting museum with a specialized focus, detailing the oft overlooked role of women in the arts. A small but vibrant collection including two spectacular works by Remedios Varo.
Women in the arts are so inspiring and i love that there is a museum potentially inspiring artistically inclined young women to pursue this line of work and the art is phenomenal
Really cool art and the staff there are friendly. There's a Frida Kahlo along with a few Amy Sheralds. Their collection of abstract art is really great too! Very inspiring
Most exhibits were closed but the people were nice.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10
The National Museum of Women in the Arts re-opening was definitely worth waiting for.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Every museum has its own beauty, the design and layout with beautiful stone staircases makes a statement. Great Board of Trade event on Oct 26th the Museum was buzzing!
The staff is really helpful and friendly. The Rodarte exhibit is a must see. The $10 admission fee is totally worth it. There's a great cafe there that serves lunch.
This is something to see in Washington DC!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20
One of my favorite museums and gift shops in DC. It's worthwhile to do a tour because you learn about the history of the museum as well as the variety of artists.
A gem. Medium sized collection and imaginative special exhibitions. Gift shop has every you need for the feminist art lover in your life (including you!).
Gorgeous interior. Interesting art. Female artists doing it better than their make counterparts.I will return. Check out the phone on the wall. …
A most excellent experience. You need about 90 minutes to inspect & enjoy the many exceptional woman of art. Sonya's exhibit makes you REALLY think!
The museum was closed for a long time, but nothing seemed to change. Even one of the main gallery spaces was all art from previous shows. Meh
Great museum off the beaten path, celebrating the accomplishments of women in the arts, as well as highlighting important historical moments.
Interesting space with a small but significant collection of women artists. I wish the museum provided more information about each artist.
Wonderful museum with beautiful exhibits and a variety of interesting works. The tour I followed was also fun. Great job, women!
Couldn't get enough of it. I wanted to stay for hours. Go this week because it's closing starting next week for remodeling.
Free entry second Wed of each month, beautiful building even better art!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Wide range of selection celebrating women in art. Special collections vary by season. Low crowd volume at opening
My daughter really appreciate the diversity of the art displays around the museum. We really enjoyed our visit.
Went on a weekday. Loved that there was no line, not crowds, beautiful building. The gift shop was great.
The staff is very helpful and you learn a good bit of history along with some very cool pieces of art
Beautiful building, beautiful art. Strong advocate for women in the arts
Visited on…
More
Beautifully constructed and curated museum. Would definetly go again. Nice gift shop too
Wonderful spot to spend an afternoon. Four floors of art, library, and a delicious cafe.
Fantastic diversity of styles and media. The metal show was very interesting and unique.
Amazing after the renovation!! Really loved the visit.
Visited on
Weeken…
More
Closed for Remodeling. Opening October 21, 2023. Wonderful artwork!
Awesome museum highlighting women in the arts..
4632 reviews
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1, Washington, DC 20006