Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) for an exciting lineup of programs, from the popular after-hours NMWA Nights and Fresh Talk conversations about the fashion industry and the gender pay gap, to a series of hands-on workshops and informative tours. Step into the beautiful and fascinating world of artists who defy today’s expectation of their era with Women artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750. Celebrate Black childhood and the reclamation of heritage with a solo show of mixed-media photography by Baltimore-based artist Tawny Chatmon. Plus, two Free Community Days every month, a holiday Makers Market, and more.
The information below is current as of August 2025. All times listed are Eastern Time. For more details, visit the museum’s online calendar.
Highlights
NMWA Nights – September
Wednesday, September 17, 5:30–8 p.m.
Kick-off the fall season of this monthly after-hours experience with an evening highlighting the concept of radical femme, inspired by the provocative example of three concurrent exhibitions of work by Niki de Saint Phalle, the Guerrilla Girls,and artists in the Women’s Studio Workshop. Add your voice to a community installation, tour decades of fearless art and activism, or speak to tarot, palm, and lipsology experts. Grab a cocktail to the sounds of a set by DJ Tezrah, or participate in hands-on art-making. Ticket includes two drinks; additional drinks for purchase. $25; $22 for seniors/students; $20 NMWA members. Free for Explorer Members ($180+) and above. Reservations required; tickets go on sale September 3 at 10 a.m.
Opening Day: Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750
Friday, September 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This landmark exhibition showcases paintings, lace, prints, paper cuttings, embroidery, and sculpture by more than forty Dutch and Flemish women. Drawing on recent scholarship to demonstrate women’s contributions to the artistic economy, the show explores how – from celebrated painters who excelled in a male-dominated field to unsung makers who created some of the most expensive lace of the day – women shaped the visual culture of the era. Free with admission. Reservations recommended.
Pilates Flexibility Fusion
Saturday, September 27, 9–10 a.m.
Blend movement and mindfulness in an all-levels Pilates session set in the museum’s iconic, art-filled Great Hall. This empowering 60-minute mat-based class blends the deep core strengthening of Pilates with focused flexibility training to leave you feeling stronger and more connected to your body. Led by award-winning performer and movement specialist Kathryn Kelly, known for her viral Living Room Workouts. $20; $17 for students/seniors/DC residents; $15 NMWA members. Reservations required.
Firsthand Experience: Paper-Cutting
Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Explore the art of paper-cutting in a hands-on workshop with Janelle Washington, an accomplished paper-cut and silhouette artist and an award-winning picture book illustrator whose practice explores themes of Black culture, history, identity, family, and beauty. Washington will introduce paper-cut techniques and guide participants in creating their own designs. Art supplies provided; no experience necessary. For ages 13 + up. $25; $22 for students/seniors/DC residents; $20 NMWA Members. Reservations required.
NMWA Nights – October
Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 –8 p.m.
A special edition of NMWA’s monthly after-hours event celebrates the opening of Tawny Chatmon: Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies. Chatmon’s work dismantles racist myths and uplifts Black cultural truths. Meet the artist, take a tour, grab a cocktail, and channel your own story through a hands-on self-portrait art-making activity. DJ MIM’s genre blending beats set a soulful tone. Ticket includes two drinks; additional drinks for purchase. $25; $22 for seniors/students; $20 NMWA members. Free for Explorer Members ($180+) and above. Reservations required; tickets go on sale on October 1 at 10 a.m.
Online – Educator Workshop: Art21 x NMWA
Thursday, October 16, 7–8 p.m.
Learn about contemporary art with NMWA and Art21in an exciting virtual collaboration tailored to educators. The workshop draws upon Art21’s documentary films and NMWA’s collection. Art21 is the world’s leading source to learn about contemporary art and artists directly from artists. Free. Reservations required.
Flower Arranging Workshop
Sunday, October 19, 11 a.m. –1:30 p.m.
Presented in close partnership with the creative, female-owned D.C. florist She Loves Me, this hands-on workshop draws joyful inspiration from the botanical drawings and paintings in Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750. No experience necessary. For ages 13 + up. Details, including ticket price and reservation link, will be confirmed shortly. Reservations required.
Fresh Talk: Agency in the Fashion
Tuesday, November 4, 6–8 p.m.
An insightful conversation between renowned designer Tracy Reese and journalist Whitney Bauck will explore the ways women are reclaiming economic agency in fashion by founding sustainable businesses, advocating for labor rights, and redefining ethical fashion from the ground up. From garment workers to entrepreneurs, women shape the labor, culture, and consumption that drive fashion, yet they’ve historically been excluded from the industry’s economic and ethical decision-making. Moderated by Rebecca Ballard (founder of The Fashion Connection), this program positions sustainability as a framework for justice and equity. Followed by a salon-style cocktail hour. $25; $22 for seniors/students; $20 NMWA members. Reservations required.
Firsthand Experience: Lacemaking
November 8, 11 a.m. –3 p.m.
Inspired by work on view in the galleries, visitors are invited to try lace making with expert lace historian, textile artist and co-founded Brooklyn Lace Guild, Elena Kanagy-Loux. She will introduce bobbin techniques and guide participants in creating a bookmark sampler featuring three foundational stitches of bobbin lacemaking. All supplies provided; no experience necessary. For ages 13 + up. $25; $22 for students/seniors/DC residents; $20 NMWA Members. Reservations required.
Fresh Talk: Hannah Williams & Tori Dunlap
Wednesday, December 3, 6–8 p.m.
Join us for a candid and empowering conversation about money, equity, and transparency with Hannah Williams, creator of Salary Transparent Street, and Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K. Challenging long-standing taboos around money, Williams and Dunlap will unpack the deep-rooted, wage inequities that affect women across industries, with a focus on how these disparities show up in the arts and cultural sectors. The program will explore financial literacy as a form of liberation and consider what it means to build an equitable life in an economy that has historically devalued women’s contributions. Followed by a salon-style cocktail hour. $25; $22 for seniors/students; $20 NMWA members. Reservations required.
Makers’ Market
Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join us for a holiday market featuring goods from women and gender-expansive vendors and artists. Shop handmade jewelry, art, ceramics and vintage finds in the museum’s Great Hall. The Maker’s Market takes place during a Free Community Day, so guests can easily continue on to the galleries for further inspiration, take a tour, or drop-in to make art in the Open Studios. Free. Reservations not required.
