Renovation Progress

A colorful mural of a woman with flora on scaffolding on the museum building.

Explore the latest updates of our building’s transformation.

Witness the restoration of our historic museum as we secure our building to house the achievements of women for generations to come.

Time-lapse Footage

Our EarthCam time-lapse camera is currently installed on the museum’s 4th floor, home of our new Learning Commons, which will hold our Library and Research Center, Reading Room, Education Studio, and new gallery space. Footage begins in late February 2022 and is updated weekly.

Sponsor

Time-lapse footage of NMWA’s renovation project is powered by EarthCam.

Renovation Images

A construction fence and equipment in front of the building facade. — New York Avenue vault lid repair

Interior view of the gutted performance hall. — Furniture and fixtures removed from NMWA’s Performance Hall for full restoration

Individual with light skin wearing a white hard had and florescent green vest inpsects the decorative cornice of the building. — Inspection of the H Street cornice; Photo by Sandra Vicchio & Associates

Four people in hard hats and safety vests look at the outline of an office marked up on the bare floor on the gutted office area. — Office mock-ups outlined on the 5th floor

A group of 9 people wearing reflective vests and white hard hats standing in front of a white wall with text detailing about entering a construction zone. — Board members, Winton Holladay, Martha Dippell, and Patti White, joined Director of Operations Gordon Umbarger for the first hard hat tour of the building in March 2022

Interior of museum's 4th floor demo with exposed brick, bare floors, and metal supports. — Still from the EarthCam time-lapse camera installed on the 4th floor in February 2022

Interior of museum's 4th floor demo with exposed brick, bare floors, metal supports, a large reinforced hole in the middle of the floor. — Updated EarthCam still of the 4th floor from April 8, 2022, as the floor’s structure is removed and reinforced

Additional Information

Building Renovation

Architectural rendering of the gallery. People of all ages look at artwork hung on white and magenta walls.

Learn about the plan to improve interior spaces, mechanical systems, and exterior envelope to position NMWA for a triumphant future.

Capital Campaign

Three abstract outdoor sculptures of voluptuous figures covered in bright patterns and dancing with outstretched arms.

Now is the time to invest in NMWA and women artists. Help the museum reach new heights by supporting our historic $67.5 million campaign.

Director’s Message

A woman with light skin and short brown hair posing behind a white assemblage sculpture.

Read a special letter from Susan Fisher Sterling, NMWA’s Alice West Director, on the building’s first full renovation project since 1987.

Timeline

Old color, front-facing photograph of the museum exterior from 1984.

View our timeline of the building’s evolution, including key dates of the capital campaign and ambitious renovation project.

Explore Timeline

Project FAQs

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..

Check out Frequently Asked Questions about the building closure, renovation, and campaign.

News and Media

Rendering shaped like an upside-down letter T shows the museum great hall and stairwell.

Stay up-to-date with announcements, news, and press on NMWA’s building renovation project and campaign progress.