📍 Washington, D.C.

This week I spent a few lovely hours exploring the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) — and wow, what an inspiring place. Located right in the heart of downtown D.C., the museum celebrates the creativity, strength, and stories of women artists across centuries.

Bear didn’t join this time (museums aren’t really dog-friendly spots), so it was a solo outing — and a great chance to slow down, wander, and soak up some art history in peace.

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🏛️ The Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored historic building from 1908 originally built to be a masonic temple, the museum feels elegant the moment you walk in. Its marble staircases, tall windows, and ornate ceilings add an extra layer of charm to the experience.

The collection is rich and varied — paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia works all centered around one mission: to champion women artists of the past, present, and future.

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🖼️ Favorite Works & Exhibits

The standout for me was Frida Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky.”
Seeing it in person was special — the vivid colors, emotional depth, and quiet strength in her expression just stop you in your tracks. It’s the only Kahlo painting on public view in D.C., and it’s a true gem.

There was also a special exhibition called Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750. It offered a fascinating look at how women artists in Europe carved out space for themselves during a time when their work was often overlooked. The portraits and still-lifes were not only technically brilliant but also deeply personal.

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🕰️ Hours & Location

• Location: 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  (Closed Mondays and major holidays.)
• Admission: Regular adult tickets are around $16, with discounts available.
  During the federal government shutdown, federal workers receive free admission, which is a great gesture of support.

📸 Photo idea: Exterior street view showing the NMWA building in downtown D.C.

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💬 Final Thoughts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a must-visit for anyone who loves art, history, and meaningful storytelling. It’s large enough to feel immersive but small enough to explore comfortably in a couple of hours.

Even though Bear couldn’t come along, this was the perfect solo day in D.C. — peaceful, inspiring, and a wonderful reminder of how powerful women’s voices have been (and continue to be) in the art world.

Highly recommend adding this museum to your next D.C. trip.

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🖼️ Quick Facts

Category	Details
Name	National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA)
Location	1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Hours	Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission	$16 (free for members and federal workers during shutdown)
Special Exhibit	Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750
Highlight Piece	Frida Kahlo — Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky
Dog-Friendly?	No (service animals only)
Best For	Art lovers, history buffs, solo explorers
Time Needed	1.5–2 hours