The National Museum of Women in the Arts fills a handsome former Masonic Temple with work by women artists, from historic paintings to contemporary installations. Its permanent collection is the main draw, but the temporary exhibitions are often the reason to come, especially when they focus on artists or regions that rarely get large museum shows.
The building itself is worth a look: a grand Renaissance Revival structure a short walk from the White House and the National Portrait Gallery. It is a strong addition to a Washington museum day when you want something more focused than the Smithsonian giants.