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ABOUT OUR ART MUSEUM
The WNDC Museum is housed in a landmark nineteenth-century residence, originally built for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts. The building, designed by Harvey Page, is informally called “the Whittemore House.” Significant interior features include the Arts and Crafts foyer and stairwell, and an elaborate plaster ceiling in the former music room, now the Hamlin Room. In addition to the architecture, the Whittemore House contains a rich permanent collection of fine art and furniture. The WNDC Ballroom & Upstairs art galleries feature rotating exhibitions from DC-area artists.
Visual Arts and Museum Affairs News and Updates
First Ladies portrait Student competition Winner!
The Visual Arts and Museum Affairs committee of the Woman’s National Democratic Club worked with the Visual Arts Department of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Public High School to hold a student competition for a portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama to join our collection of First Ladies Portraits. We received seven portraits from students in 11th and 12th grade and the works were judged by Chief Curator Emerita Brandon Fortune of the National Portrait Gallery. Ms. Fortune selected this portrait by 11th grade student, Kamai Williams, as the winning portrait. This painting will be added to the collection’s nine other amazing portraits of First Ladies and will be exhibited in the First Ladies’ Lounge in the Whittemore House.
Many thanks to our member, Zofia Rawner, for developing this project and to our members who helped raise the money to make this project happen!
The other six portraits, features here, are on display in the 2nd Floor Gallery along with the winning painting.
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Join the VAMA Committee Today!
MEMBERS: Join our Visual Arts and Museum Affairs Committee to contribute to the success and future of the museum and our collection. The committee is an essential element of the preservation and care of the Whittemore House through fundraising, research, and programming. Email the Visual Arts and Museum Affairs Coordinator Claire Sandberg at vama@democraticwoman.org to join today.
VAMA Permanent Collection Research Project
Curious about what gems are hidden within our walls? Interested in helping us learn more about our collection? Conduct research from home by completing our Research Project Request Form.
Tours & Reservations
Individual Tours: Self-guided tours of the Whittemore House are available during business hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except when other events have been scheduled. For inquiries, please call the office at 202-232-7363.
Docent-led tours for ten or more guests are available by appointment. Please call 202-232-7363 for reservations.
For All Tours:
- Backpacks, other totes and extra-large purses are not permitted but may be stored in the coatroom.
- No children under 10 years of age.
- No flash photograph of paintings.
- The Whittemore House is closed for public events, including tours, during the month of August.