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The two-year project will see the addition of a new orientation gallery, research centre and reading room
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 May 2021
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is housed in a Classical Revival building dating back to 1908 Credit: Thomas H. Field
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington DC, US, has announced a major renovation project that will see it close its doors for two years.
Breaking ground in August 2021, the project, worth US$66m (€54m, £46.6m), will include the sensitive restoration of the building’s roof, exterior and cornices, which are listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. It will also see the addition of a new orientation gallery in the great hall, where visitors can get acclimated to the gallery and learn about women artists.
Other changes include the expansion of both the historic and contemporary galleries, and the creation of a new studio, library, research centre and reading room. Improvements will also be made to the wireless and touch-screen technology throughout the museum.
Upgrades will also be made to the museum’s infrastructure and storage spaces to enhance the museum’s conservation efforts and improve security.
The project will be led by Baltimore-based architectural practice; Sandra Vicchio & Associates. Construction will begin on September 1, with the museum shutting its doors to the public in August. NWMA will continue to offer online programming throughout its renovation.
“The goal of equity for women through excellence in the arts has yet to be achieved,” said Susan Fisher Sterling, director of NMWA.
“This renovation will ensure that the museum continues to promote the contributions of women artists in ways that engage audiences and advocates of tomorrow.”
First opened in 1987, the NWMA is described as the world’s only major museum solely dedicated to the championing of women artists. It boasts a collection of more than 5,500 artworks by celebrated female artists, such as Frida Kahlo, Amy Sherald, Mary Cassatt, Judy Chicago, Louise Bourgeois, Shirin Neshat, Pipilotti Rist, Faith Ringgold and Élisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun
The renovation will include the expansion of both the historic and contemporary galleries CREDIT: Sandra Vicchio & Associates with Marshall Craft Associates
Museums and galleries
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