Member Tour: Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World

In-Person Member Program, Friday, August 14, 2026, 1-2 p.m.
Close up of textile

Man's tunic (detail), Inka style, Peru, c. 1410-1532. The Textile Museum Collection 91.147. Acquired by George Hewitt Myers in 1932.


Members are invited to join exhibition curator Shelley Burian for an exclusive tour of Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World, one of the museum’s most expansive exhibitions of Pre-Hispanic textiles to date. 

About the Exhibition

In the 15th century, the Inka built the world’s largest empire, rapidly expanding beyond the Cusco Valley to occupy much of South America’s western region. Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World displays rarely exhibited garments from the diverse communities under Inka rule who dressed to reflect allegiance to the empire and their own local styles and traditions. Learn more about the exhibition

About Shelley Burian

Shelley Burian, Ph.D., started as the museum’s Lisa and Bernard Selz Curator in 2021. She received master’s and doctoral degrees in art history from Emory University, specializing in the art of the ancient Americas. Dr. Burian previously worked at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum and has experience in curating, teaching and collection development.   

How to Participate

This program is for museum members and will take place in person at the museum. Space is limited, so please register in advance to reserve your spot. If you are not currently a member, you can join or renew online

About Member Programs

Support the museum and enjoy access to special members-only programs, including curator talks and behind-the-scenes tours. Browse upcoming programs

Additional Information 

Photos and/or videos of attendees of this program may be taken and shared on social media, websites, or marketing materials. Please contact MuseumEdatgwu [dot] edu (MuseumEd[at]gwu[dot]edu) if you have questions about photography or recordings at this program.

Where
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum 701 21st St. NW Washington DC 20052

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