The museum is temporarily closed to visitors as a public health precaution.
Visit GW's coronavirus website to learn about the university response.
The museum is currently closed.
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum is located on GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, D.C., just blocks away from the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, the White House, Kennedy Center, and the National Mall. While the museum is closed, there are many ways to visit us virtually.
701 21st Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20052
Phone: 202-994-5200
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station
(Blue, Orange, and Silver lines)
Monday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Closed on university holidays
Admission
A suggested donation of $8 supports the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. Admission is free for museum members, children, and current GW students, faculty, and staff.
Getting Here
Metro
We encourage you to use public transportation when visiting. The museum is located four blocks from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), a 15-minute walk from the Farragut North Station (Red line), and is also near many bus lines. Plan Your Metro Trip
Parking
If you are driving, there is limited, two-hour street parking on campus. The university’s closest paid parking garages are: G Street (enter via 20th and 21st St. between F and G St.), Marvin Center (on H St. between 21st and 22nd St.), and University Parking (H St. between 22nd and 23rd St.). Detailed Parking Information
Buses
Groups arriving in buses or minibuses must drop off and pick up passengers on G St. at the intersection with 21st St. Tour Buses in D.C.
Accessibility
We collaborate with GW's Disability Support Services to ensure our spaces and programs are accessible to everyone. All museum spaces are wheelchair accessible, and designated parking spaces are available in university parking garages. Cars can also drop off passengers at the curb in front of the museum on 21st St. If you would like sign language interpretation for museum programs or tours, please email the Education Department two weeks in advance of your visit.
Gallery Tours
Docents lead free highlights tours of the galleries each Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes. You can also schedule an exhibition tour for a group of 10 to 40 people by submitting an online request at least three weeks in advance.
Tips for Your Visit
Stop by any time the museum is open to shop a thoughtfully selected array of wearables, home décor, books, and gifts inspired by textile traditions from around the globe. Selections emphasize handmade, fair trade, and sustainable products. Members always receive a 10 percent discount.
The Arthur D. Jenkins Library features thousands of hard-to-find resources on global textiles and traditional dress. The library is open to the public Wednesday–Friday from 1–4 p.m. and by appointment. Email [email protected] to schedule an appointment and help our librarian prepare for your visit.
The center houses a research collection of maps, illustrative prints, newspapers, and ephemera relating to Washington, D.C., history, as well as a non-circulating library.
It is open by appointment Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Email [email protected] to make an appointment and help our curator prepare for your visit.
A coat room with lockers is available for bags larger than 11x15 inches, umbrellas, outerwear, and oversized strollers.
The museum does not have a café, but there are many places to eat nearby.
You are invited to use non-flash photography in the galleries, except for designated works of art on loan from private collections or institutions. To protect the artwork on view, we do not allow tripods or selfie sticks. We may photograph or film in the museum for educational and promotional purposes. Your presence implies your consent for use of your image and voice in marketing materials. If you see a staff photographer, please let him or her know if you would prefer not to be photographed.
Changing stations are located in restrooms on gallery levels. Strollers and front-worn baby carriers are permitted in the galleries. We encourage you to visit the Textiles 101 gallery where children can enjoy hands-on learning experiences.
Due to the delicate nature of our museum’s collections, no cut flowers or live plants are permitted in the building.
Arts on Campus
While you are on campus, explore these other art venues open to the public.
Corcoran School of the Arts & Design
15-minute walk from the museum
Visit year-round exhibitions of work by students and visiting artists in the beautiful Flagg Building, built in 1897. The Corcoran was established in 1869 as an art gallery by William Wilson Corcoran, and developed into a degree-granting art and design school. In 2014, the school became part of GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
Luther W. Brady Art Gallery
15-minute walk from the museum
The Corcoran also includes the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery, which was established in 2001 with support from oncologist and arts philanthropist Luther W. Brady (BA ’46, MD ’48). The gallery presents exhibitions that draw from the university’s art collection.
Gallery 102
Five-minute walk from the museum
This contemporary arts space provides curatorial experience to GW students and presents work by students in addition to local and national artists.
Lisner Auditorium
Two-minute walk from the museum
Hosting a variety of performances, university events, and speakers throughout the year, GW’s Lisner Auditorium is just one block north of the museum.
