The Smithsonian Institution is very strong is several areas. Asian art is one of them, thanks to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art.
The Smithsonian Sackler Gallery was originally opened in 1987 as a distinct gallery built on a foundation of an initial gift of about 1,000 works of Asian art by Arthur M. Sackler. Since then, it has merged with the Freer Gallery of Art to form the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art for the United States of America.
The Sackler Gallery is almost entirely underground, just opposite the National Museum of African Art. It sits under the Enid A. Haupf garden in the Quadrangle behind the Smithsonian Castle.
Photos of the Sackler Gallery
Getting to the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery
The Sackler Gallery is next to the Smithsonian Castle. From the National Mall, go just to the right of the Castle. There's another entrance on Independence Avenue just to the left of the Enid A. Haupf Garden, next to the Moongate Garden.
The closest metro stop is Smithsonian (Orange and Blue lines); L'Enfant Place (Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines) is only a couple of blocks away. Depending on day of the week and time of day, there's some on-street parking, but it's probably best not to count on it.
Taking Photos at the Sackler Gallery
Personal photography is generally allowed, although there are some exhibits were photos are not permitted. Tripods are not allowed for the usual safety reasons.
Some of the exhibits are a little dark for comfortable hand-held photography, so you will likely need to bump up the ISO.
Commercial shoots and filming require permission.
Official Website
Freer | Sackler - The Smithsonian's Museums of Asian Art
Washington DC Visitor Guides
If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.
- Elise Hartman Ford
- Publisher: FrommerMedia
- Fodor s Washington D C with Mount Vernon Alexandria Annapolis Full color Travel Guide
- Fodor's Travel Guides
- Stephan Van Dam, Illustrator, Editor
- Publisher: VanDam, Inc
- Lonely Planet, Regis St Louis, Karla Zimmerman
- Lonely Planet
And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's very rich history.
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
- Barbara Noe Kennedy
- Alison Fortier
- Publisher: The History Press