National Museum of Asian Art: 4,000 Years of Japanese Art at the National MuseumNEW

Charles Lang Freer started collecting Asian art with a painted Japanese fan. He was amazed by the beauty of Japanese paintings, ceramics, and Buddhist art, including sculptures and metalwork. He later donated over 2,000 Japanese artworks to the nation. This donation became the foundation of the Freer Gallery's collection, which now also includes calligraphy, lacquerware, prints, and books. The Sackler Gallery focuses on graphic arts, ceramics, lacquerware, and photographs, including modern and contemporary pieces. Together, the National Museum of Asian Art has more than 15,000 Japanese artworks, covering 4,000 years of history.

About the The National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.
It offers multiple ways to explore its extensive Japanese art collection, both in person and online.

Visiting the Museum
Location: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed on December 25.
Admission: Free; no tickets required.

Online Resources
Collection Access: Explore over 15,000 Japanese artworks spanning 4,000 years through the museum's online database.
• Virtual Tours: Engage in free, docent-led virtual tours that highlight significant pieces from the Japanese collection.
• Interactive Features: Delve deeper into specific artworks and themes with interactive digital experiences.

These resources provide comprehensive access to the museum's Japanese art collection, catering to both physical visitors and online audiences.


The Freer Gallery of Art is one of the two galleries that make up the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., alongside the Sackler Gallery. It was established through the generous donation of Charles Lang Freer, a passionate collector of Asian art.

• Foundation and Legacy: Charles Lang Freer’s collection of over 2,000 Japanese works, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and Buddhist art, became the cornerstone of the gallery. His vision was to showcase the beauty and cultural significance of Asian art to the American public.

• Focus Areas: The Freer Gallery specializes in Asian art, with a particular emphasis on:
- Japanese Buddhist paintings and sculptures
- Metalwork and ceramics
- Calligraphy and lacquerware
- American art that complements the Asian collection, including works by James McNeill Whistler.

• Artistic Connections: The gallery uniquely bridges the gap between Asian and American art, highlighting the cultural exchanges and shared artistic influences between East and West.

• Access and Experience: Visitors can view the Freer Gallery's exceptional collection in person or online. It offers a peaceful and inspiring experience, reflecting Freer’s original intent to create a space for contemplation and appreciation of art.

Together with the Sackler Gallery, the Freer Gallery forms a central part of the National Museum of Asian Art, preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Asia.