National Museum of Women in the Arts

Museum Museum in Washington DC dedicated to women artists

In Washington DC, the National Museum of Women in the Arts presents paintings, sculpture and rotating exhibitions by women artists; visitors come to see focused collections and curated shows near the city’s cultural institutions.

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The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, D.C. is a museum devoted solely to art by women. Its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions span painting, sculpture, photography and other media by women artists from multiple periods.

The museum presents thematic and retrospective exhibitions, loans and educational programmes intended to highlight the contributions of women in the visual arts. The galleries include works from both historical and contemporary artists and the institution is known for its advocacy and scholarship on women artists.

Over time the museum has built a distinct collection and programming profile focused on representation and research into women artists’ careers. It also hosts special exhibitions, public programmes and catalogues that support its curatorial mission.

NMWA is located on New York Avenue NW in downtown Washington, D.C., a short distance north of the National Mall and accessible by public transit.

  • Focus and scope: The institution is dedicated exclusively to the work of women artists and focuses on correcting historical underrepresentation in museum collections and exhibitions.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
38.9001, -77.0294
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays (confirm on website)
General admission US$10-15 (check website for current pricing); free hours for certain days or special programs may apply

How to Get to National Museum of Women in the Arts #

The museum is a short walk from the Metro Center or McPherson Square stations on the Washington, DC Metro. Street parking is limited; ride-hailing and public transit are recommended.

Tips for Visiting National Museum of Women in the Arts #

  • Book timed-entry tickets for popular exhibitions in advance, especially during Cherry Blossom season and December holidays.
  • The museum is small; concentrate on a few galleries to get the most from a short visit.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions and gallery talks - they often showcase living artists and provide context beyond the permanent collection.

Best Time to Visit National Museum of Women in the Arts #

Open year-round; weekdays outside major holidays are the least crowded times.

Spring (Mar-May)
Mar-May · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Pleasant in Washington, DC; combine the museum visit with nearby National Mall sites.
Winter weekdays
Dec-Feb · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Fewer tourists in the city and more space in the galleries; check holiday schedules.

Weather & Climate near National Museum of Women in the Arts #

Climate

National Museum of Women in the Arts's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1055 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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