The building’s first full renovation since 1987, this restoration project will honor the structure’s history while improving its interior spaces, mechanical systems, and exterior envelope.

The bones of this building are good. It is a majestic structure—timeless and beautiful. Revitalizing the building is all about positioning the museum for a triumphant future.”

Sandra Vicchio, Architect

View of the National Museum of Women in the Arts building from outside showing the Neoclassical building from one corner. The building is a tan-colored stone with an arched doorway, long vertical windows, and detailed molding around the roof. It is dark outside, and street lamps shine brightly to illuminate the building. — Photo Credit: Cameron Robinson

Key Improvements

We need an updated building to complement the groundbreaking work we do to champion women artists. The building’s first full renovation since 1987, the project will honor the structure’s history while improving its interior spaces, mechanical systems, and exterior envelope.

Key improvements include enlarged gallery space, a new destination for researchers and education programs, enhanced amenities and accessibility for visitors as well as infrastructure and storage upgrades to improve the long-term conservation and security of the museum’s collection of more than 5,500 works.

Imagine a restored building where outdoor sculpture engages visitors before they enter. A completely redesigned visitor experience awaits, beginning with an orientation gallery that tells the stories of women artists. Envision a refurbished Great Hall where programs and events are held daily. Improved signage, wayfinding, and ADA accessibility help visitors navigate through the newly renovated spaces.

New and enlarged galleries to accomodate historic and contemporary art and multifaceted installations.
Upgraded lighting for better viewing of the artwork.
Climate control systems to protect art and visitors.
Renovated collections storage with new conservation and exhibition workspaces.

Innovative technology to enhance visitor experience and bring the museum’s collection to a global audience.
A brand-new Learning Commons complete with exhibition galleries.
A state-of-the-art Reading Room and Archives in the Library and Research Center: a destination for researchers, students, and the community to gather.
A first-ever education studio for hands-on art activities, live-streamed programming, and performance rehearsals.

Architectural rendering of a cross-section of the building. The bottom is the entrance lobby with people gathering and the top two floors have people going up and down the stairs while looking at art. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: entrance lobby, rotunda, grand stair, and Teresa Lozano Long Gallery; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Project Renderings

Architectural rendering of the gallery. People of all ages look at artwork hung on white and magenta walls. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: exhibition gallery; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Rendering shaped like an upside-down letter T shows the museum great hall and stairwell. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: entrance lobby, rotunda, grand stair, and Teresa Lozano Long Gallery; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Birds-eye rendering of what the fourth floor will look like, includes a view of the new Library learning commons, the Education Center, and new gallery space.. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: Learning Commons; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Architectural rendering of the museum exterior. Museum is lit and it appears to be evening. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: west elevation; Rendering by Marshall Craft Associates, Inc., with Sandra Vicchio &; Associates, LLC

Architectural rendering of the museum lobby with glass doors, screen, and admission area. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: entry lobby, concept sketch; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Architectural rendering of the education studio filled with tables, chairs, and people of all ages. — Education studio rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

Rendering of the education studio with three rows of long tables and people sitting in lecture-style seating. — National Museum of Women in the Arts renovation project: new education studio, configured for lecture; Rendering by Sandra Vicchio & Associates, LLC, with Marshall Craft Associates, Inc.

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Project Partners

Beginning in 2015, NMWA undertook a rigorous assessment of the historic building and created an extensive plan for renovations that apply recent advances in engineering, building codes, and sustainability. NMWA’s Board of Trustees selected the principal consultants based on their expertise and experience with similar projects, including work in art museums and historic buildings in the District of Columbia.

View Project Partners

Multiple people attend a meeting around a large rectangular conference table.

Video: NMWA xChange: Women Building Better

September 13, 2022

The National Museum of Women in the Arts’s monthly talk show connects viewers to the museum and its mission to champion women artists. In this episode, conservator Wendy Jessup and architects Cara Versace and Sandra Vicchio discuss their involvement with the NMWA renovation.