Amid the bustling activity and construction along New York Ave NW sits the quiet, serene and newly renovated home of thousands of art works. From the moment visitors step into the building, they are immersed in art. Colorful sculptures hang from the ceiling and corners are carefully curated to hold framed prints, towering sculptures and intricate paintings.
After nearly two years of extensive renovation and design, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) (1250 New York Ave NW) will officially reopen to the public on Saturday Oct. 21. Admission to the museum on Saturday Oct. 21 and Sunday Oct. 22 will be free.
The museum, the first of its kind “solely dedicated to championing women through the arts”, is home to a collection of more than 6,000 works. Some pieces date back to the 16th century, while others are contemporary works from today.
NMWA Director is Susan Fisher Sterling said that space serves as both a “museum and megaphone”, both exhibiting the works of female artists and to apply their efforts to the field at large.
The museum’s inaugural major exhibition, entitled “The Sky’s the Limit” features contemporary sculptures and immersive installations by 13 artists.
Sterling said that the exhibit serves as “a perfect embodiment of our ambitions” noting that many large scale sculptures, like the ones on display in this exhibition, could rarely be accommodated in the previous facility.
In addition to displays of art work, the museum also plans to feature a variety of events and organized programming including artist talks and open studio events in their dedicated hands on workshop space.
Scheduled programming for November includes:
- November 5: Open Studio 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- November 8: Open Studio 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- November 12: Creative Keynote Katy Hessel 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The renovated space also features a library and research center on the fourth floor and a performance space. The new spaces will “offer visitors the opportunity to experience art, to research art and to make art,” principal architect Sandra Parsons noted.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Admission is $16 for adults, $13 for DC residents, visitors with disabilities and visitors under the age of 21 and over 70. Admission is free the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. Tickets are reserved as timed entry passes and must be reserved in advance even on free admission days.
Visit nmwa.org for more information and to reserve tickets.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
