Exhibitions
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Storied Women of the Civil War Era
May 24, 2019 – March 20, 2022Portrait GalleryThis intimate exhibition includes portraits of Civil War era women who captivated the public while becoming sought-after subjects for Mathew Brady’s camera.
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Portrait of Julie Packard by Hope Gangloff
April 23, 2019 – February 24, 2020Portrait GalleryOn display is a newly commissioned painting of Julie Packard, a leading figure in science and ocean conservation and the executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
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Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence
March 29, 2019 – January 5, 2020Portrait GalleryTo commemorate the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, NPG presents the story of the historic crusade for American women’s rights.
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Tiffany Chung: Vietnam, Past is Prologue
March 15, 2019 – September 2, 2019American Art MuseumInternationally acclaimed artist Tiffany Chung is known for her multimedia work that explores migration, conflict, and shifting geographies in the wake of political and natural upheavals.
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All Work and No Pay: A History of Women's Invisible Labor
March 4, 2019 – May 30, 2022American History MuseumBreak rooms across America hold signs that read: “Your mother doesn’t work here.” All Work and No Pay examines the implied expectation that women will take care of the housework.
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The REDress Project
March 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019American Indian MuseumTo commemorate Women’s History Month, the National Museum of the American Indian presents The REDress Project, an outdoor art installation by artist Jaime Black (Metis).
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Portraits of the World: Korea
December 14, 2018 – November 17, 2019Portrait GalleryPioneering feminist artist Yun Suk Nam (born 1939) uses portraiture to gain insights into the lives of women, past and present.
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In Memoriam: Aretha Franklin
August 17, 2018 – August 22, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of acclaimed singer and musician Aretha Franklin.
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The Case of Luisa Moreno
July 20, 2018 – April 30, 2019American History MuseumThe display features objects representing Moreno’s work as a civil rights activist and labor organizer with union pins as well as her shawl and a pamphlet to rally national attention and halt Moreno’s deportation.
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Special Olympics at 50
July 10, 2018 – October 17, 2021American History MuseumCommemorate the 50th anniversary of the first International Special Olympics Games through the stories of four accomplished athletes who participated in them.
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Henrietta Lacks
May 15, 2018 – March 31, 2019Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of Henrietta Lacks with the installation of a 2017 portrait by Kadir Nelson.
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In Memoriam: Barbara Bush
April 18, 2018 – April 29, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of Barbara Bush with a photograph by Diana Walker taken in 1989.
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Diane Arbus: A box of ten photographs
April 6, 2018 – January 27, 2019American Art MuseumThis exhibition traces the history of A box of ten photographs between 1969 and 1973, telling the crucial story of the portfolio that established the foundation for Arbus’s posthumous career.
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In Memoriam: Mathilde Krim
January 22, 2018 – February 22, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life and accomplishments of AIDS research pioneer Dr. Mathilde Krim with a photograph by Annie Leibovitz.
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One Life: Sylvia Plath
June 30, 2017 – May 20, 2018Portrait GalleryThe exhibition reveals how Plath shaped her identity visually as she came of age as a writer in the 1950s. Visitors will get a look into Plath’s personal life and her dualistic nature.
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Marlene Dietrich: Dressed for the Image
June 16, 2017 – April 15, 2018Portrait GalleryThe biggest Hollywood star at a time when “talkies” were still new, Dietrich captured men’s hearts and women’s admiration on screen and off.
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Celebrate: Ella Fitzgerald
April 13, 2017 – May 14, 2017Portrait GalleryApril 25 marks the 100th birthday of American jazz and popular song vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. The museum is recognizing the anniversary by displaying her photograph by William Gottlieb for the first time in the museum.
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Uniformed Women in the Great War
April 6, 2017 – April 28, 2019American History MuseumSelection of World War I uniforms on display highlighting the varied roles of uniformed women that allowed them to express their patriotism.
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The First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald at 100
April 1, 2017 – July 15, 2018American History MuseumHighlighting Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996), one of the greatest American singers.
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Romaine Brooks
June 17, 2016 – October 2, 2016American Art MuseumThis exhibition brings together 50 paintings and drawings from the museum’s permanent collection.
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