National Museum of Women in the Arts

MCA was honored to serve as the Architect of Record, having collaborated with a team of design consultants led by Design Architect Sandra Vicchio & Associates on the major renovation and restoration of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA).  NMWA is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts, and it remains a beacon for women artists around the world today.

This Classical Revival, a 1908 structure designed by Waddy Bulter Wood and built by the Masons, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in the 1980s as home to NMWA. The 94,000 GSF building sits prominently on New York Avenue, only blocks from the White House. This project is a complete renovation of the entire museum that will serve visitors for the next 50 years.

Key components of the program included expanded and improved galleries; redesigned collections storage; installing new building, IT, and security systems; upgrading the building envelope to improve internal environments and energy efficiency; designing new multipurpose education spaces; redesigning the performance hall; reconfigured staff offices; enhanced occupant accessibility; compliance with current building and life safety codes; and historic preservation.