National Museum of Women in the Arts Reopens After $70 Million Renovation

After an extensive two-year renovation project costing approximately $70 million, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is ready to welcome visitors once again. The museum is set to reopen its doors, unveiling reimagined galleries that have increased exhibition space by 15 percent. Moreover, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a significant portion of the featured art, with 40 percent of it never before displayed in the nation’s capital.

Free tickets for the grand reopening on Saturday and Community Day on Sunday have already been claimed, but a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available at noon. This momentous event marks a fresh beginning for the museum, committed to celebrating women’s contributions in the arts. Among the notable exhibitions is “The Sky’s the Limit,” showcasing modern sculptures in the newly upgraded second-floor galleries, where art suspends from the ceiling and adorns the walls. This exhibition will remain on display until February, while other temporary exhibitions are scheduled for the year. The museum has planned an array of events, including artist discussions and hands-on art classes, along with offering free admission on one Wednesday and one Sunday each month.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect during your visit to the museum’s transformed space:

Gallery Spaces with a New Look and Feel: The most prominent change is the revamped presentation of the permanent collection, which was previously housed in a maze of small rooms and nooks. Now, the collection is showcased in a more open and airy layout, with alcoves and vestibules. Improved sightlines from the third-floor entrance allow visitors to easily navigate the museum, with glimpses of renowned works, such as an Amy Sherald painting straight ahead and the majestic Lavinia Fontana on the right. Notable changes also include a Unistrut grid in the ceiling, facilitating the display of heavy works and advanced lighting and climate control.

Two new galleries for temporary exhibitions have been added on the fourth floor, hosting exhibitions such as Hung Liu’s “Making History” and “Holding Ground,” which cleverly combines artists’ books with prints.

A Remixed Permanent Collection: The museum’s permanent collection, comprising over 6,000 works spanning five centuries, has been creatively “remixed” around various themes rather than displayed chronologically. For example, the “Fiber Optics” alcove juxtaposes works like Laure Tixier’s felt houses, Sonya Clark’s “Ties That Bind,” and Faith Ringgold’s “American Collection #4: Jo Baker’s Bananas.” Another section, “Seeing Red,” offers works in different shades of red. A digital touch screen on the third floor serves as a helpful guide, allowing visitors to learn more about the artworks on display and their locations within the gallery.

A Library for Everyone: The museum’s library, previously a haven for academics and researchers, is now more accessible to the public. Visitors are encouraged to explore its collection, which includes woman-made zines, graphic novels, and art books. The library also houses the Judy Chicago Visual Archive and Frida Kahlo’s personal papers, offering a wide array of reading materials for visitors to enjoy in the comfortable C-shaped chairs.

Art-Making Opportunities: In addition to viewing art, visitors can now engage in hands-on art activities in the Susan Swartz Studio on the fourth floor. Equipped with sinks and running water, this studio allows both adults and children to partake in activities like papermaking and watercolor painting. Look forward to various art-related events on the museum’s Community Days.

Diverse Activities and Special Events: Beyond the renovated galleries, the museum’s Mars Performance Hall is an upgraded venue for artist talks and film screenings. The museum will offer free admission on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month as part of its Community Days. Visitors can also attend gallery talks, tours, and activities, particularly in the art studio, on these days.

Notable events on the calendar include a panel discussion with art historian Katy Hessel, a digital artist discussion on technology and equity, and the return of NMWA Nights, a monthly after-hours program featuring tours, art-making, cocktails, and live performances.

Despite its closure during the pandemic, the museum garnered a significant following for its online programming, including curator discussions, book clubs, exhibit tours, and themed happy hours. These virtual events will continue alongside in-person activities, ensuring that the museum remains accessible to a wider audience.