The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
This gallery, housed underground, is dedicated to the history of the artistic development of Asian and Near Eastern art from ancient times to the present. Shows of contemporary Asian artists are often on view here, as well as traveling exhibits from major museums. Some exhibits offer the visitor the chance to touch objects to feel their weight and texture. In the Japanese porcelain exhibit, there are shards of porcelain for viewers to handle.
Like the Freer Gallery, the Sackler has an extensive collection shown on a rotating schedule. Permanent exhibits include:
“The Arts of China” (from Dr. Sackler's own collection)
“Fountains of Light: Islamic Metalwork”
“Luxury Arts of the Silk Route Empires” (which it shares with the Freer Gallery of Art)
“Sculpture of South & Southeast Asia”
The gallery runs a program called ImaginAsia for children six to fourteen years old and accompanied by an adult. Starting in the classroom on the second floor, they use an activity book to explore the collection and create an art project they can take home.
Guided tours are conducted daily at 12:15
If you plan on making purchases at any Smithsonian gift shop, you might be interested to know that the merchandise is tax free. That's because the Smithsonian is run by the government.
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is adjacent to the Freer Gallery. It is located on the Mall and is accessible from the Smithsonian Metro station (Orange or Blue Line). Hours of operation are from 10
