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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum

A unique intersection of global artistry and local history, this free museum showcases 5,000 years of international textile art alongside artifacts tracing the evolution of Washington, D.C.

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George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum
museum.gwu.edu, og_image_museum.gwu.edu

What is the George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum known for?

The museum is known for showcasing 5,000 years of international textile art and the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, which features artifacts that trace the evolution of Washington, D.C.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission to the museum is free.

What are the hours?

The galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located at 701 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052, on GW's Foggy Bottom campus in downtown Washington, D.C.

What can I see at the museum?

Visitors can view rotating thematic exhibitions, a selection of artworks from The Textile Museum Collection in the lower-level galleries, and historical materials from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection in the Albert H. Small Gallery.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located on George Washington University’s Foggy Bottom campus at 701 21st Street NW, this institution blends global creative achievements with local heritage. The museum is housed in a custom-built facility covering approximately 53,000 square feet, which opened to the public on March 21, 2015. Its origins date back to 1925, when it was founded by collector George Hewitt Myers and originally situated in the Kalorama neighborhood. Visitors can explore the lower-level galleries to see a selection from The Textile Museum Collection, which spans 5,000 years of textile art from across the globe. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and utilizes rotating thematic exhibitions to engage both local and global audiences through educational programs and publications. Parallel to its textile focus, the museum preserves the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection. These historical materials and artifacts are displayed in the Albert H. Small Gallery, specifically documenting the evolution and story of the nation's capital city. This dual focus allows guests to contrast the intricate weaving traditions of distant cultures with the civic development of Washington, D.C.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between Tuesday and Saturday, as the galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Since admission is free, it is an excellent low-cost stop when exploring the Foggy Bottom area.
  • Check the museum's exhibitions page before arriving to see which rotating thematic displays are currently active.

Nearby context

Situated in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood on the GW campus, the museum is just blocks away from other major landmarks including the White House, the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, the Kennedy Center, and the National Mall.

Sources

Evidence and links