The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, D.C., has announced it will remain open to the public throughout the current federal government shutdown. In a gesture of support for the local community, the museum is offering free admission to all furloughed federal government employees for the duration of the shutdown.
Key Takeaways
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts will not close during the federal government shutdown.
- Furloughed federal government employees will receive free admission until the shutdown ends.
- The museum is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
- Several major exhibitions featuring historical and contemporary women artists are currently on view.
A Commitment to Community Access
As many federal institutions and services in the nation's capital are impacted by the government shutdown, the National Museum of Women in the Arts confirmed its operations will continue without interruption. The museum, which is privately funded, is not directly affected by the lapse in federal appropriations.
In a statement released on October 1, 2025, the museum emphasized its role as a community resource. "We recognize the challenges many in our community may face during this time," the statement read. "As a gesture of solidarity and support, for the duration of the shutdown, NMWA will offer free admission to any furloughed federal government employees."
This initiative allows federal workers and their families to access a cultural space at no cost during a period of financial uncertainty. The museum hopes to provide a welcoming environment for those affected by the shutdown.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
Visitors to the museum have the opportunity to experience a diverse range of artwork from both historical and contemporary female artists. The current schedule features several notable exhibitions, each exploring different themes and artistic mediums.
On View This Fall and Winter
The museum's exhibition calendar provides a rich and varied experience for art lovers. Patrons can explore the following showcases:
- Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750: Running from September 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026, this exhibition highlights the significant contributions of women artists during the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age.
- Tawny Chatmon: Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies: This contemporary exhibition, available from October 15, 2025, to March 8, 2026, features the powerful photographic works of Tawny Chatmon, which often explore themes of family, heritage, and identity.
- Niki de Saint Phalle In Print: A focused look at the printmaking of the influential French-American artist, this exhibit is available through November 30, 2025.
- Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move: Scheduled to open on December 12, 2025, and run until March 29, 2026, this display will showcase the work of pioneering photojournalist Ruth Orkin.
In addition to these temporary shows, the museum's permanent collection is presented in an ongoing exhibition titled Remix: The Collection, which offers a fresh perspective on the works held by the institution.
The Museum's Unique Mission
The National Museum of Women in the Arts holds a distinct position in the art world. It is the first and only major museum in the world solely dedicated to celebrating the creative contributions of women. Its mission is to address the historical gender imbalance in the art world by showcasing important women artists from the past while actively promoting the work of contemporary women and nonbinary artists.
Championing Underrepresented Artists
The museum's collection spans centuries and includes a wide variety of media, from painting and sculpture to photography and prints. It serves as a vital center for research, community engagement, and social change, advocating for better representation across the arts sector.
"NMWA addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past while promoting great women artists working today," the museum states in its mission summary.
The collection features works by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Amy Sherald, Rosa Bonheur, Louise Bourgeois, Faith Ringgold, and Zanele Muholi. By focusing exclusively on art by women, the museum provides a unique lens through which to view art history and contemporary culture.
Planning Your Visit
For those planning a trip, the museum is conveniently located in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Visitor Information
- Address: 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and select holidays)
Standard Admission Details
For visitors who are not furloughed federal employees, standard admission rates apply. The museum offers several pricing tiers to ensure accessibility for a broad audience.
- Adults: $16
- D.C. Residents, Seniors (65+), Students, Educators, Military: $13
- Visitors 21 and under: Free
- Visitors with disabilities & SNAP/EBT card holders: Free
The museum also offers free admission days for the general public on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month, further enhancing its commitment to community access.
