National Museum of Women in the Arts — Attraction in Washington

I was pretty disappointed by this museum. It’s clear that they have a lot of really sensational pieces in their collection, but the execution left much to be desired.

First, the space is weirdly used - an empty foyer while other art is crowded out leaving some pieces sequestered by bathrooms and elevators. Even the labelling is odd, sometimes curving around corners or being unclear what it’s referring to. Further, some of (in my opinion) the best works were placed on the stairs and by the elevators. We visitors block each other on the staircases because those places are where we are faced with art that makes us think.

Perhaps most disappointing to me is that instead of giving any image of what “women in art” looks like through the storytelling you see in any good exhibit, the museum’s galleries are weirdly slapped-together, almost at random it sometimes feels, with vague themes like “spaces”. The museum purports to show us women in art, but I felt like the museum’s approach wasn’t thoughtful enough to do this. There’s no tactful examination of differing experiences of women, no portrayal of other dimensions like race or class, and no reflections on history or the future. The only exceptions to this were the special exhibitions: “Sonya Clark: Tatter, Bristle, and Mend” and “Mary Ellen Mark: Girlhood.” Those were both phenomenal, and I wish such thoughtful and coherent approaches could be taken for the other exhibits.

As I said, this is a great collection, but I think there needs to be a reevaluation of how the museum is organized. There needs to be some semblance of storytelling or thought in order to make these exhibits hit home. Until then, I wouldn’t recommend this place, especially since the museums in its vicinity are much better for the low, low...

I’ve been to The National Museum of Women in the Arts a few times recently for work events and then a few times after to check out their museum shop. It’s interesting to also experience the museum from a work perspective as an event venue.

EVENT VENUE: As an events person, it’s a beautiful venue that’s perfect for receptions. The multiple levels offer different ambience depending on the event and budget, etc. Their events staff were nice and helpful. Every event that I’ve worked on at this venue has been fairly easy to set-up/load-in/out.

As a patron, I love going to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, it’s a vibrant collection of creative expression by women artists. Each floor offers a different artistic lens to appreciate. I will say that while I enjoy the exhibits, the museum shop is my favorite for many reasons. The shop is so well curated featuring unique items reflecting the vast range of women artists. From jewelry to silk scarves to one-of-a-kind coffee table books, there is something for everyone.

One little hidden gem at the NMWA is the art print vending machine that features $1 prints by female artist, Anastasia Inciardi (IYKYK); Four quarters will get you a surprise 2”x3” art print. I went a week ago and ended up having a serendipitous experience chatting with a lady that like me was also there just to get one of the vending machine prints. It’s the perfect place for it.

If you’re looking for a unique museum experience in DC consider the National Museum of Women...

The museum has a great collection of works. I wish my visiting experience didn’t dampen my opinion of the museum. My experience exemplifies the negatives of the museum world and the hierarchies that are innate to the rituals of the museum.

The staff are extremely unwelcoming and security follows you around as you walk through the exhibit. Hire more security if you want eyes in every room. No visitor wants to feel unwelcome in an art space. How is a visitor suppose to enjoy the art if every time they move a security guard moves with them?

The labels for the work are inconsistent as well. Every label should have the artist’s name on the label. In the contemporary museum world the label is just as important as the art on the wall. Having inconsistencies in labels makes the artwork inaccessible.

I would suggest as well that the museum staff does not openly speak about increasing security measures while visitors are in the same room. Highly inappropriate and uncomfortable conversation to be having right in front of 5+ visitors.

The gift shop had great books. I loved seeing works from Muholi, Sherman, Kurland, and others. I hope the museum improves their visitor experience so these lovely works are not tainted by feelings of inaccessibility, discomfort, and hierarchy. The exhibits are wonderful; however, my visitor experience was one of the worst museum experiences...