Temporarily closed to the public.
Read our FAQ to learn more.
The museum is closed today.
While the museum is temporarily closed, you can visit us virtually by exploring programs, collections resources and more. Check back here for the latest updates and reopening news, or sign up for emails.
701 21st St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20052
Phone: 202-994-5200
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station
(Blue, Orange and Silver lines)
The museum is temporarily closed to the public in response to the coronavirus.
Visit GW's Onward website to learn about the university response.
Frequently Asked Questions
In accordance with GW’s new safety measures, the museum is temporarily closed to the public. Check back here for the latest updates and reopening news, or sign up for emails.
Our museum shop is now the Artisans Gallery, an educational gallery where you can buy and learn about handmade textiles representing global traditions. The Artisans Gallery is temporarily closed to visitors, but you can reach us by phone (202-960-5311) Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to place an order.
Depending on GW’s public health policies, we hope to resume in-person programming soon. In the meantime, we remain committed to a robust calendar of virtual programs. Browse upcoming programs
Yes, the museum offers a wide range of virtual talks and experiences that you can enjoy from home. Browse upcoming programs
Depending on GW’s public health policies, we hope to open Indian Textiles: 1,000 Years of Art and Design in early 2022. In the meantime, you can purchase the exhibition catalog from the Artisans Gallery.
GW faculty and staff can schedule course-related guided tours, research appointments and class visits Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Make an appointment
GW students, faculty and staff can make an appointment to visit the museum’s Arthur D. Jenkins Library for the textile arts, the Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center, the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies and the Avenir Foundation Conservation and Collections Resource Center. Learn about our research centers
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
Limited, two-hour street parking is available on campus. The university’s closest paid parking garages are: G Street (enter via 20th and 21st streets between F and G streets), University Student Center (on H Street between 21st and 22nd streets), and Science and Engineering Hall (H Street between 22nd and 23rd streets). Detailed Parking Information
Buses
Groups arriving in buses or minibuses must drop off and pick up passengers on G Street at the intersection with 21st Street. 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 Street. For sign-language interpretation for museum programs or tours, email the Education Department two weeks in advance of your visit.
Tips for Your Visit
The museum shop is now the Artisans Gallery, an educational gallery where you can buy and learn about handmade textiles representing global traditions. We support certified fair trade, sustainable, handmade and culturally authentic work. Museum 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. Email Librarian Tracy Meserve at [email protected] for research assistance or to schedule an appointment.
This center is home to one of the world’s most significant textile study collections, consisting of nearly 4,000 textile fragments created around the globe. Scholars, faculty, students and artists are invited to consult with Academic Coordinator Marie-Eve Celio-Scheurer at [email protected] to discuss research opportunities and schedule an appointment.
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. Email Assistant Curator Jackie Streker at [email protected] for research assistance or to schedule an appointment.
A coat room with lockers is available for bags larger than 11 by 15 inches, and umbrellas, outerwear and oversized strollers.
The museum does not have a café, but you can find many places to eat nearby.
You may photograph the art in the galleries, with the exception of designated works on loan. To protect the art and avoid disturbance to other visitors, flashes, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited. Staff may photograph or film in the museum for educational and promotional purposes. Your presence implies your consent for the use of your image and voice in marketing materials. If you see a staff photographer, please let them 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.
Owing to the delicate nature of our museum collections, cut flowers and live plants are prohibited 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 and Design
Temporarily closed to the public
The beautiful Flagg Building, built in 1897, hosts exhibitions of work by students and visiting artists. 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
Temporarily closed to the public
The Flagg Building also houses the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery, established in 2001 with support from oncologist and arts philanthropist Luther W. Brady (B.A. ’46, M.D. ’48).
Gallery 102
Temporarily closed to the public
This contemporary arts space provides curatorial experience to GW students and presents work by student, local and national artists.
Lisner Auditorium
Lisner Auditorium, one block north of the museum, hosts performances, university events and speakers throughout the year.
