National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Museum of Women in the Arts
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. NMWA advocates for better representation of women artists and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement and social change. NMWA addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past while promoting great women artists working today. The collection highlights a wide range of works in a variety of mediums by artists including Rosa Bonheur, Louise Bourgeois, Lalla Essaydi, Lavinia Fontana, Frida Kahlo, Hung Liu, Zanele Muholi, Faith Ringgold, Niki de Saint Phalle and Amy Sherald.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
Washington DC's Downtown neighborhood is a symphony of culture, cuisine, and history. Iconic landmarks like the White House, the National Museum of American History, and the International Spy Museum offer deep dives into the country's past and present. For food lovers, the area is a paradise with a variety of dining options ranging from upscale establishments like José Andrés' Minibar to casual eateries like Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. The neighborhood is well-served by the Metrorail system, making it easy to explore the wider city. Downtown's blend of striking architecture, rich cultural offerings, and exciting culinary scene creates an ambiance that is both intriguing and enjoyable.
How to get there
- Metro Center • 3 min walk
- McPherson Square • 4 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
375 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
93
Average
30
Poor
11
Terrible
4
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,519 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Interesting works in a beautifully renovated former Freemason temple. Exclusively devoted to womens works. Four stories of art with a fifth floor for performances. The Murano chandelier over the information kiosk is outstanding. I particularly liked the paintings in the special Hung Lui exhibit. Also there are a number of Alison Saar sculptures. See Cindy Sherman put herself in the frame. If you have almost any other museum membership, admission is free. So bring that info along.
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
Minneapolis, MN120 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
This is an amazing museum. We arrived in time for the noon tour of highlights of the collection. The venue is a restored Masonic temple with beautifully curated exhibits and spaces and included a marvelous collection. I loved the way the paintings, sculptures, and other works were exhibited in a way that they spoke to each other across the centuries. I really wish we had had more time. There is also a little lunch bar that serves excellent salads.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJacobs2015
Washington DC, DC63 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Both the permanent collection and special exhibitions were excellent, helping us learn about artists that we hadn't previously known, although we were surprised by some of the absences of artists we do know (e.g., no Mary Cassatt?). The renovated building feels extra-luxe with ample restrooms, good signage, etc. The library has a terrific collection of artist monographs. We were, however, let down by the gift shop, which seems to lack both distinctive NWWA items and a meaningful collection of books about specific women artists, including those actually featured in the exhibitions.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad B
Rockville, MD311 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This is a terrific museum. All works are by women. There are a few floor to explore in this stunning building (taking in the building by itself is worth admission).
The galleries have restricted number of patrons at a time due to covid. So, get an early entry ticket or you may have to wait in a que until occupancy allows more visitors.
Working your way up seemed to avoid lines and crowds. We felt the 2 hours was enough.
Note: The library has restricted hours and is closed on the weekends.
The galleries have restricted number of patrons at a time due to covid. So, get an early entry ticket or you may have to wait in a que until occupancy allows more visitors.
Working your way up seemed to avoid lines and crowds. We felt the 2 hours was enough.
Note: The library has restricted hours and is closed on the weekends.
Written 3 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howie
Virginia834 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is open again after a period of renovation. If you are in DC to enjoy the arts, this is a must see destination. It's here that you'll find a dazzling display of work and leave simultaneously inspired and questioning the representation of artists in many other museums. There is an impressive permanent collection that add to understanding of art history and an important display of contemporary art. Walk in wondering what's inside, and you'll walk out in wonder.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike G
403 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Recently renovated and reopened this place should certainly be a on your list to see. Lots of women’s art from numerous eras provide a comprehensive view of what female artists have contributed. Of particular interest is the second floor devoted to contemporary sculpture.
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy M
35 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
In a city full of (mostly) free entry museums, you light wonder whether you should pay to visit this one. The answer is yes! Purely devoted to celebrating the contributions of women in the arts, this museum offers a range of permanent and visiting exhibits and hosts a number of events. The soaring architecture and lavish interior are the perfect environment to really consider a work. This is a serious museum though, with quiet spaces given to contemplation, so in my opinion it’s not a good option for younger children. There is a small cafe open for lunch daily, but the menu is limited. With the centrally located and metro-accessible address, though, there are plenty of meal options and hotels all around.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lalocadr19
Falls Church, VA6,676 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
Went here last summer, before it closed for renovation. I love the museum plenty of portrait to see, so many women artist.
Of my favorite Frida Kahlo I can definitely watch the portrait and enjoy the exhibit. There are also a couple of African American portrait which are great to see. I love the rubber art and the animals exhibition.
There also a woman room which has beautiful neon light and arts. Beautiful museum great to see and enjoy when it open again.
Of my favorite Frida Kahlo I can definitely watch the portrait and enjoy the exhibit. There are also a couple of African American portrait which are great to see. I love the rubber art and the animals exhibition.
There also a woman room which has beautiful neon light and arts. Beautiful museum great to see and enjoy when it open again.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PurpleAnkh
Fort Washington, MD278 contributions
Mar 2020
They do a free community day on the first sunday of the month so I visited. I love mixed media art work and there was tons of it in the museum. There is even have a Faith Ringgold quilt honoring Josephine Baker. As a black women I loved and appreciated the multicultural representation. My main reason for going was the Delita Martin Calling Down the Spirits exhibit. Gorgeous building and architecture as well
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LPS83
Woodstock, GA22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
They have an amazing collection of women artist. It is amazing to see that much art, by women, in one place. The temporary exhibits are always wonderful. Although it is not free, the cost is nominal. Make sure you go to the top floor, the library there is fantastic. This is the museum that convinced my daughter to become an art historian. Say hello to Olga, she is a charming volunteer.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should I plan to visit for? Is two hours enough time?
Written 28 June 2018
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