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The Freer Gallery
The Freer Gallery, Washington’s
own Italianate villa standing on the Mall, displays masterworks of
Asian and American art. Founded by Charles Lang Freer, a
railroad-car manufacturer from Detroit who gave the United States
his collection of art from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast
Asia and the Near East. The displays at this Renaissance-style
gallery are one of the most renowned collections of Asian art in the
world.
An admirer of American painter James McNeill Whistler, the Freer
Gallery also houses the London dining room of Whistler, brought to
the United States by Freer after Whistler’s death. Called the
Peacock Room, this elegant room is decorated lavishly with a blue
and gold peacock design.
The adjoining Arthur M. Sackler Gallery connects to the Freer
Gallery via an underground exhibition space. Plan to head over there
and look at the early Chinese bronzes and jades, Chinese paintings
and lacquerware, Near Eastern ceramics and metalware, and sculpture
from South and Southeast Asia. Starting October 21, 2006, visitors
to the Sackler Gallery can see the latest exhibit, “In the
Beginning: Bibles Before the Year 1000.” During a visit to Egypt in
1906, Charles Freer was offered a small collection of biblical
manuscripts for purchase. Although this type of collection was not
typical for him, he purchased them and this exhibition is perhaps
one of the most important collections of biblical manuscripts
outside Europe
Before You Go
Decide what kind of art is the most interesting to your group. Is
American Art something you fancy? Check out the Peacock Room and the
works of American master painters. If sculpture and silver is your
area of interest, check out the Ancient Near Eastern Art or Islamic
World collections. The Meyer Auditorium in the Freer Gallery
features movies and performances. Up to four free tickets can be
reserved through Ticketron, or limited tickets are available one
hour before performance time. Tours are also available and generally
meet at the Freer Gallery information desk. Docents familiarize
visitors with one or more of the unique aspects of the Galleries.
Call or check the webpage for information.
Ages 4 to 7
The dazzling Peacock Room is a fun place to start with young kids.
Involve your children in the exhibit by asking specific questions
like ‘how many peacocks can you find on the walls’ and ‘how many
shapes do you see in vases on the wall?’ The room is beautiful and
visually very exciting. Check out the month’s ImaginAsia Programs
for activities geared for families. Children ages six through
fourteen who are accompanied by an adult can participate in fun and
interactive programs held at the Sackler Gallery. Dates and times
are listed on the calendar of events found on the Freer and Sacker
Gallery Website. Groups of less than 8 do not need a reservation,
but call ahead for information.
Ages 8 and up
Does your child enjoy looking at the symbols of alphabets in other
languages? Chinese brushwork is a beautiful and fascinating form of
communication, and the characters can depict more than they may
realize. Simple Chinese characters often incorporate symbolic
meaning within the brushwork. Messages about longevity and good
fortune, as well as political commentary, are often found in the
characters. Plan to visit the “Beyond Brushwork” exhibition and see
examples of Chinese characters and the symbolism that has evolved in
them over time.
Those with strollers will want to enter on Independence Avenue. Once
inside, all visitors should visit the courtyard in the center of the
Gallery, weather permitting. Try to identify the figures and symbols
held in “Labor Supported by Science and Art” and “Law Supported by
Power and Love,” Saint-Gaudens’ sculptures adorning the east wall.
Location:
Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW (stroller entrance)
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC
Phone: (202)633-4880
Web site: www.asia.si.edu
Admission: Free.
Time needed: One hour; allow additional time for Sackler Gallery,
located next door and connected by underground exhibition space.
Food: No.
Restrooms: Yes.
Baby changing facilities: Yes.
Hours: Open from 10 to 5:30 daily except for Christmas Day
To get there: Located at 12th Street, SW between Jefferson Drive and
Independence Avenue. Metro’s Smithsonian stop is one block west of
the Gallery. Handicapped entrance is at Jefferson and 12th. Limited
on-street parking is available.
Your kids will really like: the Kongorikishi warriors guarding the
ends of the corridors on the Mall side of the Gallery.
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