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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Freer Gallery of Art / National Museum of Asian Art

The Smithsonian’s first fine arts museum, the Freer Gallery of Art showcases a premier collection of Asian masterpieces and the world's most significant assembly of works by James McNeill Whistler.

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Freer Gallery of Art / National Museum of Asian Art
asia.si.edu, og_image_asia.si.edu

What is the Freer Gallery of Art known for?

The Freer Gallery is known for its premier collection of Asian art and the world's most important collection of works by James McNeill Whistler, including the Peacock Room.

Is it free to visit the National Museum of Asian Art?

Yes, the museum offers free admission as part of the Smithsonian Institution.

What are the hours for the museum?

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas.

What is the history of the Freer Gallery of Art?

Formed from a gift by Detroit industrialist Charles Lang Freer, the gallery opened to the public in 1923 as the Smithsonian’s first fine arts museum.

What is the relationship between the Freer Gallery and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery?

The Freer Gallery (West Building) and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (East Building) together form the National Museum of Asian Art.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Freer Gallery of Art opened to the public in 1923, marking its place as the first fine arts museum established by the Smithsonian. This institution was formed from a generous gift to the nation by Charles Lang Freer, a Detroit industrialist who lived from 1854 to 1919. Today, the Freer Gallery serves as the West Building of the National Museum of Asian Art, which is composed of both the Freer and the adjoining Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Located on the south side of the National Mall, the gallery houses a premier collection of Asian art featuring objects that date from Neolithic times through the early 20th century. Beyond its Asian holdings, the museum preserves a significant group of American art pieces largely dating to the late nineteenth century. This blend of global and domestic artistry creates a unique dialogue within the museum's halls. One of the most celebrated highlights of the West Building is the world's largest collection of works by James McNeill Whistler. Visitors can explore a diverse array of his art, including the famed Peacock Room, which stands as a centerpiece of the gallery's American collection. This specific focus makes the Freer a critical destination for students of both Eastern aesthetics and Western modernism. To keep the arts accessible, the museum offers free admission as part of the Smithsonian Institution. It remains open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas. Throughout the year, the venue hosts a dynamic schedule of performances, films, lectures, and workshops designed for all ages.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to ensure full access to the galleries.
  • Since admission is free, you can easily pair this stop with other Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
  • Allow extra time to admire the Peacock Room, as it is one of the most detailed installations in the building.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the gallery is contiguous with the Sackler Gallery, encouraging a larger loop.

Nearby context

The gallery is situated on the south side of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It sits contiguous with the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and together these two buildings comprise the National Museum of Asian Art.

Sources

Evidence and links