Arthur M. Sackler and Freer Galleries of Art (Smithsonian)

The Arthur M. Sackler and Freer Galleries of Art, located on the National Mall next to the Smithsonian castle, are among the most highly regarded museums of Asian art in the world. The two galleries–connected underground–explore immensely diverse areas of art and culture, spanning ancient Egypt, the ancient Near East, America, China, Japan, Korea, South Asia and Himalaya, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world. Permanent exhibits include centuries-old biblical manuscripts and an extensive collection of paintings and drawings by James McNeill Whistler.

In addition, the galleries frequently host temporary exhibitions that showcase the best of the world’s most populous continent. Exhibitions have included “The Tsars and the East: Gifts from Turkey and Iran in the Moscow Kremlin,” which includes more than 60 objects given as gifts to the tsars of Russia; “The Tale of Shuten Doji,” which displays artists’ portrayals of a popular Japanese folk tale; and “Writing, Carving, and Rubbing,” which traces the art of Chinese calligraphy.

As part of their educational outreach, the galleries offer a full slate of public events, including filmstalks, musical performances and lectures.

Travel Tips

Enjoy some of the finest works of art on a free, hour-long, docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas. No reservations required. For information on these and special additional tours, current exhibitions, and other events, go to www.asia.si.edu.

You can schedule a private on-site tour for a group of ten or more visitors by going to the on-site tour request form. Please use the Notes section if you would like to customize your tour to feature specific topics or a special exhibition. https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/tours/.

Nearby Attractions
National Mall
Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle
National Museum of African Art (Smithsonian)

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Old Town Trolley Tours
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