The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum in Washington, DC, will present the exhibition Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World from 15 August to 19 December 2026.
The exhibition examines the textile traditions of the Inka empire, which expanded rapidly from the Cusco Valley in the 15th century to control much of South America’s western region. On view are rarely exhibited garments from the various communities under Inka rule, reflecting both allegiance to the empire and local styles and traditions.
Lead support for the exhibition is provided by The Coby Foundation, Ltd., the Historic Textile Research Foundation, Peruvian Connection, and the Western Hemisphere Curatorial Scholarship Fund, with additional support from Corinne M. Berezuk, Tina M. deVries, and Roger and Claire Pratt.
Ahead of the opening, members can join curator Shelley Burian for guided tours on 14 August and 15 August.
A free community festival, Celebration of Textiles: Andean Traditions, will take place at the museum on 12 September, featuring dance performances, textile demonstrations, and related activities.
Location and more information: The Textile Museum, Weaving an Empire 15 August – 19 December 2026, 701 21st St. NW, Washington, DC 20052.