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Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museums

by Mary Jo Manzanares on June 22nd, 2006

sackler.jpgThe Freer Gallery and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery comprise the Smithsonian’s Asian Art museums.

Although Asian art is really not my favorite style, the beautiful building and grounds caught my eye as I was passing by.  There was not a lot of time left in my day, but my companion assured me that we had plenty of time.  He was right — a casual pass through the exhibits took less than half an hour.  If you’re a student of the art form, allow more time.  As a side note, and in my opinion, this is one of the few Smithsonian museums that is not child-friendly.

The Freer Gallery, located on the National Mall at Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, was opened to the public in 1923, and was the first Smithsonian museum for fine arts.  The Freer Gallery has collections of art from China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the near East.  Some items you can expect to see:  Japanese screens, ceramics, sculpture, and manuscripts

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, named for the physician donor of the original collection, is also on the National Mall at 1050 Independence Avenue SW.  It opened in 1987, and is home to a collection of Chinese bronzes and jades, along with Chinese paintings and lacquerware, ceramics and metalware, sculpture, and, most recently, an important collection of Islamic art.

The two galleries are connected by an underground exhibition space.  Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm daily, except Christmas Day.  There is no admission charge.

 

Photo credit:  flickr

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