New year, new art! Every history and art lover’s dream, Washington D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries. With each museum boasting a rotation of numerous must-see exhibits, trying to choose where to start can be overwhelming. Here, we’ve broken down a few exhibits coming to D.C. in 2023 you want to make sure you catch:
1. The reopening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts
Renovations have been underway at National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) since August 2021, but it’s finally expected to reopen some time this year! In the meantime, the museum is continuing to envelop the building in eye-catching murals and art installations. Now, the NMWA is a stunning mesh installation by Austrian artist, Katharina Cibulka. A printed representation of her artwork for the Solange Project (Solange #27) cross-stitch in pink tulle, the installation reads, “As long as generations change but our struggles stay the same, I will be a feminist.” Learn more here!
2. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
In this multi-sensory wonderland, Van Gogh’s vivid masterpieces are brought to life through state-of-the art immersive technology. Get ready to step into 360° digital projections of the Dutch artist’s iconic pieces and view his impressionist brushstrokes up close like never before. Famous works like Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom and more will swirl around the room, completely captivating you as you wander about the open space, or simply sit and take it all in. Don’t miss your chance to check out this mesmerizing exhibition while it’s still in town!
3. Hirshhorn Museum: One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
You can truly immerse yourself in this art experience. Featuring two of Yayoi Kusama’s stunning and Instagram-worthy Infinity Mirror Rooms, her eye-grabbing Pumpkin (2016) sculpture, and much more, you’ll leave with great photos and a greater appreciation for Kusama’s art! But before to catch it before it leaves Spring 2023!
4. Renwick Gallery: This Present Moment- Crafting A Better World
Featuring renowned artists, such as Nick Cave, Sonya Clark, and Wendy Maruyama among others, according to the gallery, the astounding, multi-artist exhibit aims to demonstrate “the role that artists play in our world to spark essential conversations, stories of resilience, and methods of activism.” Catch this eye-grabbing exhibit before it closes April 2, 2023.
5. The Rubell Museum: “What’s Going On”
The Rubell Museum—housed in the former historically Black 1906 Randall Junior High School—will utilize its 32,000 square feet to boast the original architecture reimagined as galleries featuring “artwork that provides perspectives, insights, and commentary on contemporary ideas and issues.” The debut exhibition is titled “What’s Going On”—a reference to alum Marvin Gaye’s revolutionary 1971 album. Learn more here!