#EchosOfHer: Wilhelmina Holladay
The Art of Recognition: How One Woman Changed the Canvas of History
In the grand museums of the world, one question haunted Wilhelmina Cole Holladay:
Where are the women?
This question wasn’t just rhetorical—it sparked a global movement. In 1987, Holladay answered her own call by founding the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, D.C. Today, it remains the world’s first and only major museum solely dedicated to celebrating the artistic achievements of women.
Wilhelmina Cole Holladay: A Visionary with a Mission
Holladay, an art collector with a sharp eye and sharper insight, saw what the mainstream art world refused to acknowledge: women artists were consistently overlooked, marginalised, or erased altogether. With quiet determination, she set out to rewrite history—not by words alone but by building a permanent institution that elevated women’s creative power.
Her mission was bold:
- Recognition of women’s rightful place in art history
- Redefinition of artistic excellence beyond traditional (male-dominated) narratives
- Reclamation of lost legacies, bringing them back into the light
Holladay’s vision has inspired generations of artists, curators, and changemakers to believe that visibility is power—and equity is non-negotiable.
More Than a Museum: A Movement for Change
NMWA is not just a building filled with paintings and sculptures; it is a living declaration of what happens when women’s voices are heard and their stories are honoured. The museum houses over 5,500 works—from Renaissance masters to cutting-edge contemporary artists—all created by women.
But numbers tell only part of the story. The museum is fiercely committed to:
- Diversity & Inclusion: Featuring artists of colour, Indigenous creators, and women from every corner of the globe
- Education & Advocacy: Running programmes that challenge biases and encourage new generations to rethink what art—and leadership—look like
- Community & Connection: Serving as a cultural hub where art sparks dialogue, activism, and deep reflection
- #EchosOfHer: Amplifying Women’s Legacies
In perfect harmony with ANAH Project’s #EchosOfHer series, NMWA embodies the principle that women’s stories—long silenced—must be brought forward, loud and clear. Each brushstroke, sculpture, and photograph on display becomes an echo of her resilience, creativity, and undeniable impact on the world.
Both the museum and ANAH Project ask a simple yet transformative question:
Whose stories are we still waiting to tell?
Renewal & Revelation: The NMWA Ethos
Much like ANAH’s mission of rebirth and renewal, NMWA operates on the belief that truth must be unearthed to heal and progress. The museum doesn’t just archive art; it revives histories, ensuring that women’s contributions are not side-lined but placed squarely at the centre of human achievement.
Its recent $68 million renovation and reopening in 2023 signal more than just new walls and lights—it’s a renewed commitment to breaking barriers and opening minds.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
Wilhelmina Holladay once said, “Art is a reflection of civilisation, and without women’s contributions, it’s an incomplete mirror.” Thanks to her, that mirror now reflects a fuller, richer, and truer image of human creativity.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts stands today as a beacon of justice, beauty, and possibility. It reminds us that when women’s stories are told, we all see more clearly.
Let’s keep amplifying those echoes—until every woman’s voice is heard, every artist’s hand is seen, and every life’s work is valued.
Discover more at nmwa.org and join us in the ongoing #EchosOfHer journey.
