The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum Invites Families to Celebrate Grand Opening Festivities

Museum Officially Opens to Public with Family-Friendly Events During National Cherry Blossom Festival

February 27, 2015

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kurie Fitzgerald: [email protected], 202-994-6461
Maralee Csellar: [email protected], 202-994-7564
 
EVENT:
As the new George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum officially opens to the public during National Cherry Blossom Festival weekend, families are invited to explore three exhibitions and enjoy activities that include celebrations of Japanese culture; art demonstrations reflecting the museum’s global collections; arts and crafts; cultural dance and music performances; and gallery tours. The activities are geared toward children between 4 and 10 years old. The museum is a short walk or Metro ride from the National Mall and festival grounds. 
 
WHEN: 
Saturday, March 21, 2015; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2015; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
 
Featured activities: 
  • Origami and traditional Okinawan textile craft projects led by the Japanese Embassy, Okinawan delegation
  • Cherry blossom necklace and Chinese paper quilt creation 
  • Kimono and Victorian era dress-up stations
  • Professional art demonstrations
  • Cultural dance and music performances (Saturday only) 
WHERE:
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St., NW
Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Blue, Orange and Silver lines)
 
ADMISSION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION:
Admission to the museum is free for museum members, children and current GW students, faculty and staff. A suggested donation of $8 for non-members will support the museum’s exhibitions, collections and educational programs. The special activities during opening weekend are free and no reservations are required. 
 
Museum hours: Monday, Wednesday–Friday: 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m-5 p.m.; Sunday: 1-5 p.m. 
 
For more information visit: www.museum.gwu.edu or call 202-994-5200.
 
RSVP:
Media interested in attending must contact Kurie Fitzgerald at [email protected] or 202-994-6461. Photos are available upon request. Attention calendar editors: Please do not publish media contact information.
 
BACKGROUND:
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum is forming a new museum complex opening March 21 on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus. Dedicated to art, history and culture, the custom-built museum will display The Textile Museum’s highly regarded collections of more than 19,000 non-Western textiles and carpets, and pieces owned by the university, including the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection of 1,000 artifacts documenting the history of Washington, D.C. 
 
-GW-