If you are a regular reader of my posts, you know that I love exploring small museums. Last summer, on a visit to Washington DC, I had the chance to spend some time at two of the city’s less well known offerings, but ones that are definitely worth your time.
Planet Word
I am a lover of language. The history of words and phrases. The connection between the ways that different languages evolved, and the ways that they resolve issues of communication fascinate me. So, finding a museum dedicated to these ideas piqued my interest. Planet Word occupies a building that was constructed in 1869 and opened as The Franklin School, one of the early modern public schools built in Washington.
The museum focuses on English, its on-going development and current usages. In Where Do Words Come From a giant word wall interacts with visitors, exploring the ways that English has incorporated words from other languages around the world.
The Spoken Word offers the opportunity to meet speakers of other languages. They introduce us to their native language and the thing that make it unique.
The Library explores the language and imagery of books.
Planet Word is a truly interactive museum. Its exhibits are set up for visitors of all ages. If you love language it is worth a visit.
Immigrant Food
If you are in the area of Planet Word, I highly recommend stopping into Immigrant Food for a meal. The restaurant uses the cultural diversity of the United States and the immigrants who have arrived here as its inspiration. Its has a menu that varied and delicious, with many choices for people with a wide variety of pallets.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
If you walk three blocks south from Planet Word you will find the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA).
The NMWA was opened in 1987 as the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. It is housed in the former Masonic Temple, a beautiful building built in 1903. The museum has 4500 works representing over 1000 artists in its collection, including Washington’s only Frieda Kahlo painting.
The museum also hosts some great temporary exhibits. When I visited in August 2024, Hung Liu: Making History was on display. Liu (1948-2021) was born in China, and move to the U.S. in 1984. Her work focuses on the lives of working class women.
Another exhibit was Holding Ground: Artist Books for the NMWA. Nine book artists created works to inaugurate a new section of the museum. The works of art were created to celebrate the many spaces where women’s creativity blooms.
Remember, while big cities have big museums, it is often the smaller museums that offer a unique look at the world we live in.
Nuts and Bolts
- Planet Word is located at 925 13th Street NW, but its entrance is around the corner on K street.
- It is open Wed – Mon 10 AM – 5 PM (until 6 PM on Sat. And Sun.)
- The museum is free at all times, but a suggested donation of $15 is recommended.
- Immigrant Food is located at 925 13th Street NW on the ground floor of Planet Word.
- National Museum of Women in the Arts is located at 1250 New York Ave NW
- It is open Tue – Sun 10 AM-5 PM.
- The entrance fee is $16 Adults/ $13 Senior/DC Residents $13
Excellent article!