Freer| Sackler Galleries of Smithsonian Review

One of the many outstanding Smithsonian museums in DC. The Buddha exhibit is awesome. They always have awesome exhibits and stuff you rarely see anywhere else. Gift shop is very cool too.

At first I didn't want to visit this museum because we're from Asia, why would we wanna see more Asian artifacts. But since we were at the Smithsonian Castle, we decided to give it a try. How I was wrong. The entrance has made a different first impression! With an interesting monkey display and the most friendly guard we've ever met who explained to us the story behind the display, we came in with curiosity. The museum was not crowded, it has a few free big lockers where we can keep our bahg and coat, and water coolers are everywhere. At one level, the building is connected to the Freer museum so I can't really remember which room belongs to which museum. But overall, the Sackler and Freer museums are a must visit!

As always, visiting a Smithsonian institution is never an unreasonable use of time. The Sackler Gallery hosts art which doesn't fit in the rest of the Smithsonian's galleries, as far as I can tell. There were Chinese bells from antiquity in the basement, along with modern and experiential art on the ground floor. Excellent way to experience art!

The most amazing collection of Asian art! And the exhibitions give you the most beautiful glimpses into Asian culture.

Impressive place. Nice design. There are some temporary displays combining with sounds and multimedia. You can feel the solemnity of Bodhisattva

The Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (free entries) are where you will find the Smithsonian Institution's coverage of Asian arts. Located on the south side of The Mall, just next to the Smithsonian Institution (Castle), the galleries opening times are 10am to 5.30pm daily.

The galleries display small collections of Asian artworks including the likes of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Buddhist, Hindu, Arabic and Islamic works amongst others. What you see are impressive individual pieces however the the collection as a whole is too small and represent a too wide range of respective forms, cultures and art periods. The collections lack depth and breadth compared to the many comprehensive Smithsonian Museums throughout D.C. Here the intention seems more to provide a brief glimpse and introduction to world of Asian arts and that is ok!

What I probably enjoyed most during my recent visit was simply viewing the James McNeil Whistler paintings which showcase his interests in Asian tradition, style and delicacy. Whistler's famous 'The Princess from the Land of Porcelain' painting is also on display in the gallery. Apparently this is the first time since 1904 that the painting has been removed from Whistler's other famous creation 'Peacock Room'.

I was also very much intrigued by the 'Filthy Lucre' Peacock Room Remix exhibition by Darren Waterston. This is an extraordinary rendition of Whistler's Peacock Room. Visitors are able to walk into the installation and contemplate Waterston's imaginative interpretation, which is thought provoking and highly memorable, regardless if you like what you are seeing or not.

During my visit there was also a temporary exhibition 'Turquoise Mountain' highlighting Afghan artists as well as displaying pottery, garment, textiles, woodwork and calligraphy. Afghan artists were on site and giving woodwork demonstrations as well.

Note: The Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Galleries are connected by way of underground passage and combined exhibition space with the Ripley Centre and the National Museum of African Arts. You can access each of these venues by way of any of their entrances.

I liked the Turkish culture and obviously the Quranic Museum

Asian cultures are very rich. There are many things for younger generations to pick up.

Went to see Asian art exhibition and loved the smallness and the amount of artifacts presented. Many different cultures were presented, with enough variety of artifacts to not overwhelm or bore you. Liked the bell room and the temple inside the museum, as well as a private collection of peacock room.

Love the Freer Sackler museum(s), but I would cation all to sort of study the map as the floor plan is... Not intuitive. Keep looking! There are such gems hidden there. :)

Amazing Asian art collections. The Freer Gallery and Sackler Gallery are combined in one via under ground tunnels. While the Freer has the obvious entrance and typical National Mall museum facade, the Sackler is housed under the nearby garden just behind the Smithsonian castle. Inside are so many beautiful art works spanning Persian, Indian, and Chinese, and Japanese empires. It very easy to spend many hours inside just strolling at a relaxed pace and taking it all in. The gardens offer a great place for a respite from all the walking. Highly recommended.

Great collection of artworks..and the staff are very good..you can ask for magnifying glasses to observe more in ndian miniature paintings.

Great place to visit right next to the Smithsonian Castle

The Sackler was our favorite museum on the Mall. We probably spent a whole day roaming the galleries and soaking in the Asian historical and cultural information.

We especially liked the Tibetan temple exhibit, and the chanting soundtrack that was playing there. Knowledgeable docents gave great tours.

As the Gallery is mostly below ground, we were happy to find it. You get to the entrance at the garden entrance to the Smithsonian Castle (at the back).

I had always passed this museum by until thankfully I ventured into the small rotunda near the Smithsonian castle, that serves as an alternate entrance. If you have guests in town and want to take them for a treat arrive this way. The aforementioned entrance looks about the size of an average DC apartment from the exterior until you realize upon entering that it is the head of a stairwell leading several stories down to the main floor of this 'crypt' of a museum. The effect is quite startling as the space expands below ground to occupy a surprising amount of space. Most recently the museum is hosting an very excellent exhibit on Afghan art and artisans that for a Veteran of that war was a rich and compelling experience.

One of my favorite galleries in DC. The Peacock Room is not to be missed. Also the special exhibits are generally noteworthy.

One of the less popular museums, but very interesting. Worth the visit. Asian art and history, archeology well laid out.

A gem of the Smithsonian museums. The current two exhibitions on the ancient bells from China and the Buddha are excellent showcases of the Asian culture and history. The permanent exhibitions are always a big draw for me to come back again and again to appreciate a very diversified and highly civilized culture of the region.

One of my favorite Smithsonian museums to visit. They have a terrific Buddhism exhibit and the Peacock Room is great for understanding the opulence of the time.

Peacock Room plus Peacock Room:Remix! See them both.

It's gorgeous and amazing. It's connected to the African Art Museum

It is a fine museum. Too bad it is associated with the owners of Purdue Pharmaceuticals.

Great exibits. They have various historic statues, and it great to take pictures. It is located very close to the metro. However, some of the staff can be rude.

Gem of a place. This was a really nice find and not what I was expecting. The building is surprisingly large and the collection vast. Really good pieces on far and near eastern art.

Some of the best rotating exhibits in DC and some stunning permanent installations. Never that crowded, so it makes for a nice, introspective museum experience.

Freer is truly a beautiful Asian art museum. I would rate it in my top 3 museums at the mall. Definitely worth stopping by

Had a great experience! It's beautiful inside. And they have so many old beautiful things to see. To much for me to tell u about. It's definitely a museum u wanna hit if your in DC! I got lots of pictures!

The Sackler gallery is a wonderful space, remarkably quiet given its location on the Mall. The selection of art, sculptures, and installations is fascinating. The pieces are nicely curated with background information adjacent to each item. The Buddhist exhibits are well worth a visit on their own. In general I would say bring a packed lunch and drinks with you. This part of DC is entirely devoid of good quality reasonably priced food and drink.

This place was very interesting to feel about Asian culture. There are many relics and photographs.

It is an Asian art museum. There are many Buddhist themes. Not only Korea but also Asian Islamic Buddhist culture is exhibited.

Almost completely underground, this art gallery of Asian continent art, with some African and European, is a maze. Great pieces though.

Awesome displays of oriental art and compelling commentary from the tour guide.

Never been here before and I'm a DC local. Looks are deceiving because although the from the outside it looks fairly small, on the inside it's HUGE due to it primarily being underground. This place is filled with gorgeous art work, jewelry, pottery and artifacts from all over the world. I went here to see the Chinese princesses temporary exhibit and it was astounding. You could literally spend all day in here or more because of its sheer size and amount of INTERESTING objects in it. Just because this isn't a 'Smithsonian' do not disregard going to see it, it's absolutely stunning and you won't regret it. Can't believe it's taken me so long to find this place. Also it's not crowded, and quiet. Great place to escape the calamity of the mall.

SAD the opiate crisis made possible such a fine exhibit of Asian art

One of the most vast and interesting art galleries in Washington, DC

Best exhibits, beautiful arrangements, art all over the gallery. Best place to visit.

I know the issues with the connection of the funds for this museum to the opioid crisis, but the collection in this museum is amazing. Right now a terrific Hokosai exhibit, a historical Buddhist exhibit with many artifacts and a Tibetan temple, and a Chinese bells exhibit that I enjoyed, but would also be fun for children - quite a few bells to play. Hope I can get back soon.

Great collection of Asian art. The gallery also offers many excellent programs and events.

Beautiful, contemplative museum of Asian Art. Sedate during the week, there are a number of weekend events for children and adults, such as the annual Nowruz (Persian New Year) Celebration and frequent ImaginAsia programming for families. The museum is 90% underground, with a small entry level in the Garden of the Smithsonian Castle.

What a lovely art gallery. The staff was very friendly and directed me to the exhibits that I wanted to see. Make sure you stop by the information center and they'll be able to tell you when the guided tours happen. The two buildings are connected underground and you kind of have to wander through a maze to get from one to the other but it's doable. Exhibit change all the time

One of my Favorite museums to go to.. The courtyard in the center of the museum is my favorite place to sit in silence.

An amazing selection of works from the East. Very inspiring. On a hot day the gallery upstairs sucks not to quench your thirst but in the galleries downstairs, which is not clearly controlled but there are plenty of refreshing fountains. Just go down the stairs without fear, everything is allowed :)

Always a great place to see and learn about Asian art. Current exhibit is Chinese Empress - very interesting with some beautiful artifacts.

Great exhibits at no charge they have a beautiful garden friendly staff and it's open everyday except Christmas we went on the Thanksgiving.

Wonderful collections and excellent exhibits. Be sure to come in October for the Freer reopening!

Not lots to see but well air conditioned and a good escape from the heat.

Went to see the Empresses of China, but were blown away by the Buddha exhibit! Fascinating how the Buddha is portrayed and perceived in countries around the world.

Great staff and beautiful museum. The art of the Quran exhibit was amazing.

Inside and outside....beauty and culturally enriching.

The Arthur M. Sackler and Freer Gallery is part of the U.S. government's Smithsonian Institution's free museum system. This particular museum specializes in Asian art and is home to a wide-ranging collection from India, China, Japan and the Islamic world. Housed in a lovely complex in Washington D.C., set in a beautiful garden. Highly recommended.

Aside from the Sackler family creating the opioid epidemic, the art is lovely.

Now this place blows my mind
There's so much going on here. There's so mitch hidden away down below. The stairwell down is super neat

It transports you into another world. Wonderful place to visit for some immensely unique art from around the world

Security was super cool and will check jokes or dance with you. Lived in the city since I was a kid and had no idea just how cool this underground exhibit is

Literally got my nephew interested in other cultures that weren't just video games

Great little American art museum very close to the White House. When I visited, they had artwork from those who were in Japanese internment camps and also a very interesting exhibit of lathed wood art.

It is lovely if art is your thing. Kids are bored to death. The Peacock room was the best part.

The Asian Art Museum just does not deal with art. There are events, films, and other activities that happen there. It is also linked to both the Freer Gallery of Art and the Ripley Center AND African Art. Restrooms available and a lovely gift shop.

S real gem. Superior display of Asian art. It is a hidden gem.

I enjoyed the Ancient Persia section at the museum. I think it is the greatest collection of Sassanian-era Persian objects in the United States. Strongly recommended !

best museum for students of asian art and artifacts. great gift shop too!

Nice place to go, a lot of cool exhibits! It's also connected to the Freer Gallery and the African Art Museum so you don't technically ever have to go outside to go to all three which is nice when it's cold.

This museum looks small from the outside but spans 3 more stories underground. It's filled with beautiful and thought provoking exhibits and is well worth your time. Also, if you go to the bottom floor, you can seamlessly move through connected space to the museum next door, the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.

Awesome gallery! Encountering the Buddha was AMAZING! Excellent curation of a beautiful collection. Very informative, calming, and impressive. The flow of the exhibit was perfect! The Tibetan shrine was a truly transformative experience. I could have stayed here all day.

There are some interesting prices here. Definitely worth a look.