Photo: The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts a yoga session in the building’s Great Hall as part of International Women’s Day. Photo by Julie Cole.
This May, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with an invitation for rest and renewal. The radical act of taking a pause not only opens space to reclaim one’s peace of mind, but also offers relief from the pressures of stress-culture expectations. NMWA encourages visitors to practice intentional wellness with yoga, meditation, art-making, and workshops.
Scientific studies show that time spent engaging with art can relieve stress, lower the risk of heart disease, and boost immune systems. NMWA’s collection and diverse programs provide a variety of opportunities to unwind and be present. In addition, the Museum Shop will offer a special selection of restoration and self-care related items.
Firsthand Experience: Movement
Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The month starts off by engaging the body and mind in creative movement inspired by Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection, a special exhibition that encompasses 80 years of abstraction by groundbreaking artists across every medium.The hands-on event is led by Chitra Subramanian, an Indian American dancer, choreographer, and educator, whose aesthetic draws from Hip Hop and Indian classical and folk foundations. For ages 13 and older. Tickets: $25; Students, seniors, DC residents: $22; Members: $20. Reservations required.
Free Community Day and Makers’ Market
Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The first of two monthly Free Community Days in May features the return of fan-favorite Makers’ Market. Co-curated by NMWA and SAMASAMA, a collective dedicated to celebrating diasporic narratives through art, the market will feature a lineup of women and gender-expansive makers, artists, and vendors offering handmade jewelry, art, ceramics, and vintage finds. Guests of all ages can reconnect with their creative side through tours and drop-in art-making inspired by artworks on view. Free. Reservations recommended.
Burnished: Pueblo Pottery at NMWA
Saturday, May 8
Opening on May 8 and running through September, Burnished features twenty-four clay vessels that reflect the diverse traditions and material cultures across Pueblo communities, including two new acquisitions. For more than two millennia, Pueblo potters living in the southwestern region of North America have created clay jars and bowls for storage and ceremonial purposes.
Cello Yoga
Sunday, May 9, 9 a.m.–10 a.m.
This multisensory yoga experience offers a uniquely restorative blend of art, mindfulness, and social connection. Ritual artist and wellness consultant Tara Aura is joined by live cellist Adia to guide participants through breathwork, movement, and meditation. The relaxing sounds of improvisational cello and accessible pose modifications help participants melt tension with intention. Tickets: $20; Students, seniors, DC residents: $17; Members: $15. Reservations required.
Sound Healing Meditation
Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Designed to quiet the mind, release stress, and spark creativity, ritual artist Tara Aura’s guided workshop of sound healing and meditation offers personal renewal and community. Participants are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect, all in a calming atmosphere surrounded by art. Refreshments shared by Khamsa, a D.C. based woman-founded tea and tonic company. Tickets: $25; Students, seniors, DC residents: $22; Members: $20. Reservations required.
Abstract Herb Bundles Workshop
Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
After an inspiring tour through the galleries, participants will be guided through creating aromatic herb bundles crafted with fresh spring foliage like eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, and lavender, while discussing their natural habitats and abstract symbologies. Resulting in a beautiful token of self-care or gift to a loved one, this experience offers a calming, hands-on experience. Tickets: $75; Students, seniors, DC residents: $72; Members: $70. Reservations required.
NMWA Nights Bash
Wednesday, May 20, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Celebrate the final NMWA Nights of the season to take a fun break with friends, fueled by art and music. This extended-hours program invites participants to explore the galleries, enjoy a cocktail, create art, listen to live music, and let loose on the dance floor. Tickets: $25; Students, seniors, DC residents: $22; Members: $20. Reservations required.
Sound Meditation for Clarity
Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
A restorative evening of art, sound, and reflection juxtaposes a tour of the collections with a sound bath and guided meditation. Paired with calming breathwork and a live, acoustic performance, the experience allows participants to find clarity and resettle their minds. Tickets: $25; Students, seniors, DC residents: $22; Members: $20. Reservations required.
Special and Drop-In Tours
#5WomenArtists Tour: Advocacy
Saturday, May 16, 12–12:45 p.m.
Explore the museum’s collection and learn about the ways NMWA artists have used their creativity to draw attention, raise awareness, and spark conversation. This tour reveals the ways art can create change and spread messages of hope, equity, and justice. American Sign Language interpretation is included.
Collection Highlights Tours
Daily—2–2:45 p.m.
Explore the museum’s collection with engaging, interactive drop-in tours that feature six to eight artworks. Free with admission. Reservations not required. Subject to availability.
Gallery Talks
Weekly —Wednesdays, 12–12:30 p.m.
Participants can drop-in for thematic talks that highlight two to three art works. Topics and locations in the museum vary. Free. Reservations not required. Subject to availability.
Private Group Tours
Upon request: Tuesday–Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Learn about the contributions of women artists with a private tour. Tours of the museum’s collection and exhibitions are expertly facilitated and, with advance notice, can be adapted to fit the interests of each group.
Monthly Programs
Free Community Days
Sunday, May 3; Wednesday, May 13; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
NMWA offers free community days on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. Visitors can explore the collection and current exhibitions, attend a tour or gallery talk, browse the reading room and visit the studio for drop-in, all-ages art-making activities inspired by artworks on view. Activities and inspirations change each month. Free. Reservations are required.
Art Chats (Virtual)
Friday, May 8, 5–5:45 p.m.
Participants can experience the museum from home with NMWA educators online for informal 45-minute art chats about selected artworks in the collection. Each session will consider a new selection of artworks. Free. Reservations are required.
Exhibitions
Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection
On through July 26, 2026
Shirley Gorelick: Figuring It Out
On through June 28, 2026
Burnished: Pueblo Pottery at NMWA
May 8 to September 27, 2026
Remix: The Collection
On through October 25, 2026
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. NMWA advocates for better representation of women and nonbinary artists and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement and social change. NMWA addresses the gender imbalance in the arts by bringing to light important women artists of the past and promoting great women artists working today. The collection highlights a wide range of works across all mediums by artists including Rosa Bonheur, Louise Bourgeois, Lalla Essaydi, Lavinia Fontana, Frida Kahlo, Hung Liu, Zanele Muholi, Faith Ringgold, Niki de Saint Phalle and Amy Sherald.
NMWA is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. It is open Tues.–Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and closed on Mondays and select holidays. Admission is $16 for adults, $13 for D.C. residents, visitors 65 and over, students and educators, active-duty military and veterans, and visitors with a Native / Tribal Affiliation; and free for visitors 21 and under, visitors with disabilities, and SNAP/EBT card holders. Admission is free the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. For information, call 202-783-5000, visit nmwa.org, NMWA’s Broad Strokes blog, Facebook or Instagram.
