The Freer Gallery of Art, named for Detroit industrialist Charles Lang Freer, boasts an internationally renowned collection of Asian art and is home to the world's largest holdings of works by the American artist James McNeill Whistler. Freer became interested in Asian art through his friendship with Whistler, whose work had been strongly influenced by Japanese prints and Chinese ceramics. In 1906, Freer donated 7,500 paintings, sculptures, drawings and works in metal, lacquer and jade to the Smithsonian, along with endowment funds. Today, the collection has grown to 24,000 works.
Become a member of the Friends of the Freer and Sackler Galleries.
Daily free tours begin at the information desk at 12:15, except Wednesdays and holidays. Tours are subject to docent availability.
Check out the museum's gallery talks featuring curators and guest speakers. Ask at the information desk for details.
Reservations are required for tour groups of ten or more, foreign language tours and sign-language interpreters. Call 202- 633-1012 or e-mail asiatours@si.edu.
(walk-in; meet at info desk)
• Mon.-Fri., 12:15 PM
• Sat. and Sun., 1:15 PM
Except
• Wednesdays and federal holidays, no tour
Notes:
• Tours might not be offered when other programs are taking place in the galleries.
• From time to time, the museum may offer additional tours; inquire at the information desk.
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-1012 (voice) or e-mail asiatours@si.edu)
• Chinese, French, Japanese, and Korean
(by appointment only; 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-1012 (voice), e-mail asiatours@si.edu, or visit the Web at www.asia.si.edu/education/tourrequestform.htm)
(tactile tours and sign-language interpreters are available by appointment only; 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-1012 (voice) or e-mail asiatours@si.edu)
Explore the sounds of traditional and contemporary Asian music. You'll also find prints and jewelry from around the world, as well as educational materials and items for kids.
Although the Freer and Sackler galleries do not have on-site cafés, many Smithsonian museums do.
