The Freer and Sackler Galleries: D.C.'s Best Asian Art Collection

Feb 15, 2011
James Barnett

The Freer Gallery National Mall Entrance - James Barnett

Two Smithsonian museums are combined to offer visitors to Washington D.C. one of the best collections of Asian Art in the world.

Location of the Freer and Sackler Galleries

The Freer and Sackler Galleries are two museums in one and are situated on the grounds of the Smithsonian Castle. They are known as “upside down” museums, a building in which the top floor is at ground level, with three subterranean levels below. These galleries represent the best of Asian art in the Washington D.C. area, including exhibitions from China, Japan, Korea, Persia, and the Himalayas. Less congested and thus quieter than the major Smithsonians, Freer and Sackler offer a pleasant respite.

The Peacock Room

An amazing exhibit representing the influence of Asian art on the west, the Peacock Room holds a collection of porcelain and paintings that once belonged to an English shipping magnate, and were purchased and displayed by the Gallery’s benefactor Charles Lang Freer at his mansion in Detroit. It has been on permanent display at its current location for over eighty years. The room is painted a deep blue, and embellished with brilliant designs of golden peacock feathers. Two peacocks, in metallic gold, with sweeping tails, are engaged in battle on the distant wall. Another wall shows two peacocks in repose. Artist James Whistler designed the room and one of his masterpieces is on display above the fireplace. Throughout the room, golden shelves display blue and white porcelain.

Blue and White Porcelain

All the rage in Victorian England, the museum’s collection of Blue and White Porcelain complements the Peacock Room. The collection is placed in a gallery that allows the visitor to closely scrutinize and appreciate the many examples of Chinese pastoral landscapes etched into the porcelain. Though this collection represents manufactured art for the masses of the west, it still reflects a craftsmanship that should not be dismissed.

Chinese Art

The Freer Gallery boasts an impressive collection of Chinese art, from antiquity, including works in metal, jade, and ceramic. Pots, of bronze and clay, show how the art form has evolved and transformed over the ages. Artifacts and adornments made of jade are intricately crafted. Most are part of Charles Lang Freer’s private collection and were donated to the Smithsonian.

Monkeys Grasping for the Moon

Stretching from the museum skylight to a tiled fountain on the lowest level, Monkeys Grasping for the Moon, is a must-see work at the Sackler Gallery. Reminiscent of the childhood game, Barrel of Monkeys, these intricate detailed Japanese figures have little resemblance to those red plastic toys. A challenge for the visitor is to determine where each of the 21 "stretching" monkeys actually connects. A series of staircases allow the visitor to observe each figure and follow the link down to the final grasp at the water below.

Family-friendly

Freer and Sackler has many activities designed for children. The museum provides specially trained guides who incorporate a hands-on approach to the exhibits, encouraging interaction, discussion, free writing, culminating in a unique creation of art influenced by the experience. There is also a specific classroom designed for these activities. The museum is educator-friendly, with workshop booklets designed for a specific genre or media. School field trips are also encouraged.

It is highly suggested for visitors to find lodging in the suburbs and use the Washington Metro system to access the city. The Smithsonian Metro station is located at the National Mall. The Freer/Sackler Gallery is open every day of the year except Christmas. The gallery website offers more detailed information.

http://www.asia.si.edu/