National Museum of Women in the Arts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is an art museum on New York Avenue in downtown Washington, D.C., dedicated exclusively to female artists. The exhibition spaces span multiple floors and include paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures from more than five centuries.

Wilhelmina Cole Holladay founded the institution in 1981 as the first museum dedicated entirely to the achievements of female artists. The institution grew from her private collection, which she and her husband assembled over decades.

The collection focuses entirely on female artistic perspective and presents works from different traditions and periods. Visitors discover paintings, sculptures and other media that often receive less attention in other institutions.

The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 8 PM on the third Wednesday of each month. Cloakroom and lockers are available near the entrance, and large bags should be left there.

A recently completed renovation created a concert hall and studio spaces used for rotating programs. These areas expand the offering beyond traditional gallery visits and enable encounters with contemporary positions.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1981

Founders: Wilhelmina Holladay

Architects: Waddy Butler Wood

Official opening: April 7, 1987

Address: 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00

Phone: +1(202)7835000

Website: https://nmwa.org

GPS coordinates: 38.90003,-77.02927

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30