The world was devastated when an important and marvelous museum was closed. Now, after two whole years of being quiet, news of the museum is finally revealed! The National Museum of Women Arts is the first museum in history that primarily displays pieces by women artists all over the world. Back in 2021, the National Museum of Women Arts (NMWA) had to close because of insufficient renovation funds and difficulties due to COVID-19. The museum is receiving its first long-awaited and deserved renovation after its original opening in 1987. Through the support of its hard working staff and generous foundations, the museum raised an incredible 66 million dollars. The museum has had its opening day on October 21. “From its home in the nation’s capital, the NMWA has given deserved prominence to groundbreaking women artists of the past and present for nearly 35 years, but the goal of equity for women through excellence in the arts has yet to be achieved,” said NMWA Director Susan Fisher Sterling. “This renovation will ensure that the museum continues to promote the contributions of women artists in ways that engage audiences and advocates of tomorrow. Our building is the center of a worldwide movement that champions women in, and through, the arts.”
Gender inequality has always been an issue in society. Even with many reforms and advocacy for change, there are still many areas of society in which women are underrepresented. Still, there are many good-hearted institutions that are making an effort to improve this social aspect. This includes the sublime and under appreciated NMWA- the world’s first national museum that solely focuses on incredible and shadowed female artists of history. This, of course, includes exclusive exhibitions that mark important parts of history: black women rights, women’s suffrage, and gender equality. The pieces display a beautiful timeline of colorful history through a feminist lens. There are intriguing pieces of varying times, styles, and perspectives. For example, one piece titled Links Together (1996) depicts three black women holding each other in a solemn yet heartwarming embrace. Through this painting, the artist Elizabeth Catlett is displaying the strength of the black community despite the political and social struggle. “As both a museum and a megaphone, we advocate for gender equity through excellence in the arts,” shared Sterling in a statement. “Our renewed and reimagined spaces will enhance our ability to share great works of art, engage with our visitors and reach out to new audiences.”
The museum’s efforts to spread gender equality awareness doesn’t stop at displaying beautiful pieces. Its media team takes care of a wonderfully put together web page. In this website, you can find endless resources and programs that the NMWA provides. The museum owns a blog called Broad Strokes, which holds articles that recognize individual female artists and their impacts on the world, shedding a light on unappreciated artists that deserve to be recognized. The NMWA also holds many events that serve the same purpose. Every month, there are a handful of special events and programs, including gallery talks (focusing on a specific exhibition), creative keynotes (meet-in-greets with highlighted artists), art chat (talking about a form of art), workshops, and open studios. These events surround many incredible women artists, designers, activists, authors, and etc. The programs strive to empower women, spark community involvement, and engage new audiences.
If you aren’t interested in art pieces and their artists, you can always focus on the historical value the museum holds. This museum has such a powerful message and focus that anyone could learn from. To support the movement and women artists or just invest in a delightfully spent evening, head to the museum!
