National Museum for Woman in the Arts Set to Close for Two Year Renovation
For the first time since 1987, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is set to undergo a complete renovation, and as a result, the museum is closing for two years.
The 1908 Classic Revival-style structure on the National Register of Historic Buildings has served the museum dedicated to women’s art well, but updates will enhance the museum’s offerings as well as its ability to host events.
The museum is currently open, so visitors will want to visit often over the next month as, beginning August 9, 2021, the building and exhibitions are closing to complete the renovation, which will expand the exhibition space and visitor amenities. During the renovation, NMWA will continue to offer digital programming as it did during the pandemic closures.
Post-renovation, expect enlarged gallery spaces, a new learning commons including a library and research and education center, as well as enhanced connectivity that improves wireless and touchscreen technology for exhibitions. NMWA will be able to show larger-scale works, have interactive workshops, and store more pieces for its collections.
The National Museum of Women in Arts (NMWA) will host a variety of celebratory events and programs the week before the building closes for a major renovation. Visitors can enjoy free admission, extended hours and a special sneak peek into the renovation project and plans for the museum’s future.
Admission to the museum will be free from Sunday, August 1 through Sunday, August 8. On August 1 through August 4, the museum will also remain open until 8 p.m. Visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve timed tickets in advance at nmwa.org/tickets. The exhibition Mary Ellen Mark: Girlhood is on view and features Mark’s poignant photography of young women and girls around the world. Also on view is Selections from the Collection, highlighting historical and contemporary art by women around the world. Local restaurant Modena is giving a 10% discount to visitors when they show their NMWA admission tickets.
In addition, NMWA will present a virtual program, “Sneak Peek at the Future National Museum of Women in the Arts,” on Wednesday, August 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. This free program offers a look at plans for the renewed building and shares information about how to connect and engage with the museum and its mission during the building closure period.
Director Susan Fisher Sterling will reveal never-before-seen historical photographs of NMWA’s 1908 landmark building along with architectural renderings of planned new spaces. The renovated building will feature a purpose-designed education studio for hands-on activities and revitalized exhibition galleries, developed to accommodate all types of art, from paintings by Old Mistresses to immersive contemporary video installations.
NMWA’s Directors of Education and Public Programs will discuss the exciting slate of workshops, talks and concerts planned for the Fall 2021/Winter 2022 season, with most programs presented online and available to participants around the world. Staff from the museum’s curatorial department will discuss a major offsite exhibition planned for early 2022. Organized by NMWA and presented in the galleries of a partner museum in Washington, D.C., the project highlights the limitless vision, in content and technique, of women and non-binary artists in printmaking.