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 artist James McNeill Whistler. Freer became interested in Asian art through his friendship with Whistler, whose work had been 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.

Exhibitions

The Peacock Room Comes to America (April 9, 2011-spring 2013) James Whistler's Peacock Room is restored to its appearance in 1908, when it was owned by museum founder Charles Lang Freer.

Seasons: Chinese Flowers (July 2, 2011- Jan. 8, 2012)

Seasons: Japanese Screens (July 9, 2011-Jan. 22, 2012)

Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes (Permanent). The museum's jades and bronzes are among the greatest treasures in Chinese art to be found outside China.

Freer & Whistler: Points of Contact (Permanent). See views of the River Thames from Whistler's Chelsea residence and an ensemble of the artist's atmospheric Nocturne paintings.

The Religious Art of Japan (Permanent). Sculptures on view include delightfully animated representations of the Guardians of the Four Directions and a serenely poised image of a bodhisattva, an enlightened being.

Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas (Permanent). Sublimely beautiful Buddhist, Jain, Hindu and Islamic objects showcase the extraordinary range of South Asian and Himalayan art.

Korean Ceramics (Permanent). Simple in form and spare in decoration, ceramics have long been an integral part of Korean culture, admired for their distinctive balance of informality and dignity.

Education Programs

Teachers can visit asia.si.edu/explore/teacherResources.asp for information on educational resources.

Become a member of the Friends of the Freer and Sackler Galleries.