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 collection 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 his 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 some 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 p.m., except Wednesdays and public holidays, and are subject to docent availability.
Check out our gallery talks by curators and guest speakers for insights into the objects on view. Ask at the information desk for details and times. A schedule of exhibition talks and lectures is available at www.asia.si.edu.
Tour groups of ten or more must make a reservation by calling (202) 633-1012 or by e-mailing asiatours@si.edu. Foreign language tours and sign-language interpreters are available by reservation.
(walk-in; meet at info desk)
• Daily, 12:15 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)
(walk-in; meet at info desk)
To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the museum offers the following tours:
• Arts of Japan
- Thurs., May 1, 1:15 PM
- Sun., May 11, 2:15 PM
- Fri., May 23, 1:15 PM
• Arts of China
- Fri., May 16, 1:15 PM
- Thurs., May 29, 1:15 PM
• Sacred Arts of Asia
- Mon., May 19, 1:15 PM
• Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and Himalayas
- Thurs., May 22, 1:15 PM
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.
