At the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), we believe that art is for everyone. Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible place for all visitors. That’s why we offer a variety of ways to visit for free or at a discount. If you’re a student, a local Washingtonian, or simply curious about the world’s first art museum dedicated to women, there are many ways to experience the museum.
Free Community Days, Gallery Talks, and More
On the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month, we host Free Community Days. It’s a great time to explore exhibitions, hang out with friends, or bring someone new. Each Free Community Day includes drop-in tours and an Open Studio for art-making. Pro-tip: register online for your free ticket in advance to save time! In the summer, keep your eye peeled for some community days that feature extended hours in the early evening.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear from curators or ask an expert about what you’re seeing, entrance to the museum is free for our weekly Gallery Talks (every Wednesday from 12–12:30 p.m.). Plus our virtual Art Chats (fourth Friday of each month from 5–5:45 p.m.) are also always free.
For more about upcoming Free Community Days, Gallery Talks, Art Chats, and special one-off programs, check our calendar.
Under 21? Over 65? You’re Set
If you’re under 21, you can visit for free anytime—no strings attached. Educators and students of all ages qualify for discounted tickets. Plus, both graduate and undergraduate students can visit for free if they organize a class visit. Yep, totally free. Learn more here. Seniors (65 and older) get a discounted rate, too—because you’ve earned it.
Military Families
If you’re active-duty military or a veteran, you qualify for a discounted ticket year-round. And for active-duty military visiting in the summer between Armed Forces Day and Labor Day, you and your family can visit for free through the annual Blue Star Museums program.
D.C. Residents
Live in the District? Bring your ID and you’ll get a discount. When buying tickets online, simply enter your zip code as the promo code before selecting your timed entry. It’s our way of saying thanks to our local community.
Visitors with Native or Tribal Affiliation
Visitors with a native or tribal affiliation also qualify for a discounted ticket, a small act that reflects our larger values of equity and inclusion. We recognize that Washington, D.C. is built on the ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank, Piscataway, Anacostan, and Pamunkey people.
Visitors with Disabilities
Admission is free for visitors with disabilities, along with their care attendants.
Whether you’re coming solo or with a group, we try to make every tour and program comfortable and tailored to you. We can provide various services, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for onsite and online programs or guided tours. Two weeks’ notice to request accessibility services is appreciated but not required. Read more about accessibility and accommodations here.
Doing Research?
If you’re at work on an essay, project, or just really into feminist art history, the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center is free to visit, even if you don’t have a museum ticket. Researchers of all levels and backgrounds can schedule time to access rare books, artist files, and archives, or just do work while enjoying the library ambiance.
Other Offers!
Are you a member of another museum? Your membership may be reciprocal if that institution is part of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM), or the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Check if your existing membership lets you visit NMWA for free!
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) qualify for free admission to the museum.
Thanks to a partnership with Bank of America, cardholders with Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank can visit for free during the first full weekend of every month. Free entry is also provided to employees of other museums, members of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and employees of Bloomberg or Sotheby’s.
If you’re planning a visit or wandering around downtown, take a look at these options. Bring a friend. Come as you are. And enjoy some extraordinary art while you’re at it.