National Museum of Women in the Arts reopens after its two-year renovation. https://ift.tt/FzRx9CO

On October 21st, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA)—the world’s first museum programmed to exclusively feature women artists—will reopen after a two-year renovation at 1250 New York Avenue in Washington, D.C.

This weekend, the museum will host tours, performances, and other interactive events to celebrate the reopening, offering free admission on October 21st and 22nd. Susan Fisher Sterling, director of the museum, said that the renovations are “worth the wait.”

“Since opening its doors in 1987, the National Museum of Women in the Arts has been a symbol and gathering space for the cause of advancing gender equity in the art world,” Sterling told Artsy. “Through historical and contemporary exhibitions, programs, and outreach, as well as its bold collection, the museum advocates for the profound necessity of inclusivity.”

The museum’s inaugural exhibition “The Sky’s the Limit” will showcase contemporary sculptures and immersive installations from 13 women artists working over the last two decades, including Rina Banerjee, Sonya Clark, Petah Coyne, Beatriz Milhazes, Cornelia Parker, Mariah Robertson, Alison Saar, and many others. The exhibition will be on view until February 25th.

Inside the museum, redesigned by Baltimore-based architectural firm Sandra Vicchio & Associates, gallery spaces have increased in size by 15%. The comprehensive upgrade includes expanded exhibition areas, a state-of-the-art performance hall, and configurable rooms for public programs. Meanwhile, 40% of the work will be presented for the first time at NMWA in the inaugural exhibitions and the remixed collection.

In addition to “The Sky’s the Limit,” the museum will open two focus exhibitions, including “Making History,” a retrospective on Chinese American artist Hung Liu, and “Impressive,” a showcase of 25 prints from renowned French artist Antoinette Bouzonnet-Stella. Both exhibitions will remain on view until October 20, 2024.

With $69 million already raised, NMWA is close to meeting its capital campaign goal of $70 million. In addition to the exhibitions, the funding will help support the Gloria and Dan Logan Learning Commons, housing the Mary Ross Taylor Exhibition Galleries, the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center, and the Susan Swartz Studio.

“With the reopening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, residents and visitors have one more fantastic reason to visit downtown D.C.,” said D.C.’s mayor, Muriel Bowser. “Art and artists, and the stories they tell, add so much to the vibrancy and color of D.C. Now, we are D.C. proud to, once again, have this incredible museum dedicated to uplifting and championing the stories of women.”

from Artsy News https://ift.tt/J5wW3xM