Public programs and events at the National Museum of Asian Art.
Upcoming events
Peacock Room Shutters Open
West Building · Asian Art Museum
Third Thursday of every month. Free, no registration required. See the Peacock Room in a whole new light! Please join us for a beloved NMAA tradition: our third Thursday opening of the Peacock Room shutters. Experience this unique masterwork of art and design in a whole new way as natural light reveals details of James McNeill Whistler's painted interior and accents the gleaming surfaces of Charles Lang Freer's collection of Asian ceramics. The shutters are open from noon to 5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of each month.
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Please meet at the West Building plaza for the tour. During rainy weather, meet at the West Building information desk.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Jennifer Berry.
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Introduced by Lalitha Gopalan, associate professor of Cinema Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the book Kaagaz Ke Phool (Paper Flowers): BFI Film Classics. Buy her book here in person before the show starts! The first Indian film shot in CinemaScope, Guru Dutt’s masterpiece follows the successful filmmaker Suresh Sinha (played by Dutt) as rumors of his affair with actress Shanti (Waheeda Rehman) lead him to lose his family, descend into alcoholism, and ultimately retreat from the film industry. Initially a critical and commercial failure, the film is now revered for its technical prowess, stunning chiaroscuro images, beautiful songs, and heartbreaking, self-reflexive narrative. Shown in a digital restoration by the National Film Archive of India. Director: Guru Dutt. Country: India. Released: 1959. Length: 148 min. Format: DCP, B&W. Language: Hindi with English subtitles.Kaagaz Still: Courtesy of the National Film Archive of India Book Cover: Courtesy of the British Film Institute
Please meet at the West Building plaza for the tour. During rainy weather, meet at the West Building information desk.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Jennifer Berry.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Glimpse some of the few surviving examples of film made on paper instead of celluloid (kami firumu), a rare form of filmmaking from 1930s Japan. Companies in this field produced both animated and live-action films, often in color. Many of the films contained synchronized soundtracks on 78 rpm vinyl. So few film prints of this type survive because of the short period of production, the varying paper quality, and the devastation of WWII. Now, almost ninety years later, the handful of surviving prints are beginning to deteriorate. The Japanese Paper Film Project is racing against time to preserve the films before they disappear entirely. About Duo Yumeno New York–based koto/shamisen player and singer Yoko Reikano Kimura and cellist Hikaru Tamaki create a singular fusion sound, inspired by tradition but with a contemporary sensibility. Duo Yumeno’s repertoire includes a dynamic range of compositions—both traditional and contemporary—all of which explore the dialogue between classical Japanese and Western music.Composite image: (left) Still from the live-action film Paradise on a Deserted Island (孤島の楽園); print courtesy of the Toy Film Museum / (diagonal strip) Film strip from Tokkyu Chushingura from the Toy Film Museum collection / (vertical strip) Film strip from The Battle of Monkey and Crab from the Toy Film Museum collection
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
To celebrate Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, discover Korean masterpieces that span centuries on a virtual tour. Admire Korean imagery, techniques of Korean art, and stories of how the museum acquired these works. Museum docents guide you through celadon ceramics, religious sculptures, jewelry, ink paintings on silk, and more.Image: Ewer with Inlaid Designs of Peony and Chrysanthemum; Korea, Jeolla-do province, Gangjin or Buan kilns; late 12th–mid-13th century; stoneware with white and black inlays under celadon glaze; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1909.33a–b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Please meet at the West Building plaza for the tour. During rainy weather, meet at the West Building information desk.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Jennifer Berry.
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Conservation Cart Talk | What Can Light Reveal About Art?
West Building · Asian Art Museum
Darab Sleeping in the Ruined Vault, folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) by Firdawsi (d. 1020) (detail); Iran, Tabriz, ca. 1330–1340; opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1930.78
Watch the Trailer Join producer Phil Grabsky and our curator Diana Greenwold for a discussion after the screening. Get ready for our upcoming Whistler exhibition with the US premiere of this documentary on painter James McNeill Whistler, the latest Exhibition On Screen production. In an era of great change and great beauty emerged the character of James McNeill Whistler. Considered by some to be one of the great innovators of nineteenth-century art, he was a contemporary of the Impressionists, much admired by Van Gogh and Manet. Boldly experimental and famously witty, Whistler disrupted the strict conventions of Victorian society in pursuit of a new cult of beauty, creating “art for art’s sake” and earning himself a place in the history of great art. He found a parallel between painting and music, and entitled many of his paintings “arrangements,“ “harmonies,“ and “nocturnes,“ emphasizing the importance of tonal harmony in his work. His most famous painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (1871), commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, is a revered and often parodied portrait of motherhood. It is arguably one of the most famous paintings in history, and this film unveils the artist behind the art. Description adapted from Seventh Art Productions. About Exhibition on Screen In 2011 Seventh Art Productions created history when they brought major art exhibitions into cinemas across the globe with Leonardo Live from London’s National Gallery. This was the first ever exhibition from a gallery or museum on the big screen. This led to Exhibition On Screen—creating from scratch a worldwide network of over 1,500 cinemas showing regular arts films in over 60 countries. This hugely successful art cinema brand is now in its 13th season of films. The 2023 film Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition is the UK’s most successful art film. These films have played in festivals, cinemas, and on TV & DVD worldwide, winning dozens of awards. Director: David Bickerstaff. Country: United Kingdom. Released: 2026. Length: 90 min. Format: DCP. Language: English.James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903); Symphony in White and Red; United States, ca. 1868; oil on millboard mounted on wood panel; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1903.177a–b
No reservation required. The National Museum of Asian Art is grateful for the partnership of our docents. They generously contribute their energy and creativity to our museum-wide festivals and make Family Fun activities happen. Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Sonya Pencheva
This year’s festival highlights the fascinating world of Korea’s traditional masks (Tal 탈). Learn about the unique stories and characters represented by a variety of masks and explore a collection of mask displays. Decorate your own colorful hanji (traditional Korean paper) mask, try on different masks, and capture memories in the photo booth. Enjoy special mask-themed giveaways while experiencing one of Korea’s most distinctive cultural traditions. Plus, experience a groundbreaking fusion of rock, Korean traditional music, and mask dance rhythms with Insun Park & Generals, masters of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance! Register in advance to make sure you get the best experience. Some activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Family Fun 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Korean Folk & Fairy Tales Story Time West Building, Courtyard Scavenger Hunt West Building, Galleries 12 (The Peacock Room) and 14 Peacock Room Pattern Puzzles West Building, Gallery 12 Fun with Objects from Our Hands-On Collection West Building, outside Galleries 14–16 Displays presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Life-Size Charye Ancestral Rites Table West Building, North Corridor Traditional Mask Display, Try-On, and Photo Booth with support from the Bongsan Mask Dance-Drama Preservation Society East Building, Gallery 27 Crafts and Activities presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Hanji Mask Decorating West Building, South Corridor Minhwa Fan-Making and Coloring West Building, South Corridor Music and Performances copresented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.K-pop DJ Set by DJ EPX 11 a.m.–2 p.m. West Building, Plaza Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago (KPAC) Traditional Korean Percussion Performance 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. West Building, Plaza Gumwoo Washington Gayageum Ensemble Traditional Korean String Performance 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. West Building, Plaza Insun Park & Generals Korean Folk Rock Meets Mask Dance 3 p.m. West Building, Plaza Food and Art Market 11 a.m.–4 p.m. West Building, Plaza SAMASAMA Art and Vendor Market featuring:AJM Kimchi (Kimchi) Brian Oh (Photo Prints) Chaotic Neutral (Jewelry & Accessories) yoojiflows (Tarot/Korean Oracle Readings & Art) Food available for purchase from:AmLux Cafe bit bakery Noonchi by Bun’d Up Tours and TalksConservation Cart Talk | Early Printing in Korea 1–2 p.m. West Building, North Corridor Spotlight Talks 2–3 p.m. and 3–4 p.m. West Building, Gallery 12 (The Peacock Room) and Gallery 14 (Rediscovering Korea's Past) This event is copresented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Generous support is provided by the National Museum of Korea.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Sonya Pencheva
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
Korea excelled in printing with movable metal type over seven hundred years ago, long before such printing was common in Europe. At the Chuseok Family Festival, join one of our conservation scientists for an introduction to its history in Korea. Examine reproductions of six-hundred-year-old movable metal type and hear about some of the current research on Korean printing at the museum.National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Department of Conservation and Scientific Research
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
國立亞洲藝術博物館邀請您參加免費普通話導覽（無需預約） 在一小時的導覽中，我們的講解員將帶您聚焦博物館中的精華，包括舉世聞名的孔雀廳和精選的中國藝術品。每場導覽都是獨一無二的，讓您每次對藝術品都能有不同的了解。Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1915.103a-b
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Please meet at the West Building plaza for the tour. During rainy weather, meet at the West Building information desk.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Jennifer Berry.
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
Why do some objects sparkle with rainbow colors? In this interactive workshop for children ages 6–11 and their caregivers, families investigate the science behind iridescence and discover how art conservators care for shimmering art. First, explore ceramics in A Museum in the Making—some with intentionally created iridescent surfaces and others with rainbow-like sheens that developed over hundreds of years. Then make your own art using materials that change appearance as they catch the light.National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Department of Conservation and Scientific Research
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Why do some objects sparkle with rainbow colors? In this interactive workshop for children ages 6–11 and their caregivers, families investigate the science behind iridescence and discover how art conservators care for shimmering art. First, explore ceramics in A Museum in the Making—some with intentionally created iridescent surfaces and others with rainbow-like sheens that developed over hundreds of years. Then make your own art using materials that change appearance as they catch the light.National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Department of Conservation and Scientific Research
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the West Building plaza for the tour. During rainy weather, meet at the West Building information desk.Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Jennifer Berry.
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Watch the Trailer On the night of December 3, 2024, then-president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in Korea. He banned all political activities and public assemblies and sent troops to the National Assembly building to seize control. The Seoul Guardians plunges you into the political chaos of that night, with codirecting by three journalists who were there. Lawmakers rush to pass a bill ending martial law as ordinary citizens band together to hold off the soldiers sent to take the building. The winner of multiple film festival awards, this stirring documentary resonates with audiences around the world with its message that democracy is fragile and must be defended. Directors: Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan, and Cho Chul-young. Country: Korea. Released: 2026. Length: 70 min. Format: DCP. Language: Korean with English subtitles.Image courtesy of Asian Shadows
Please meet at the East Building, B1 Lobby for the tour.Image: Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, The Alice S. Kandell Collection, Photo by John Bigelow Taylor
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
Join a free online guided meditation. In these 30-minute sessions, DC-based meditation teachers lead a variety of mindfulness practices. Friday sessions take inspiration from art in our museum’s collections. All are welcome! No previous experience is required. Image: Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.269.
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. This free guided tour closely examines American artist James McNeill Whistler’s famed Peacock Room, inspired by Asian art and decorated with Chinese blue and white porcelain.James McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903); Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (detail); United Kingdom, 1876–77; room installation, oil paint and gold leaf on canvas, leather, mosaic tile, glass, and wood; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1904.61
As the seasons change, enjoy a free, hour-long guided tour of the museum’s renowned collection of Japanese art. Experience a variety of artworks, including paintings, prints, screens, ceramics, metalwork, and more.Trees, Master of I-nen Seal (1600–1630), Japan, mid-17th century, ink, color, and gold on paper, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1962.30
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
These sessions are perfect for families, homeschool groups, virtual schools, and teachers who may want to review a recording with their students after the live session. Everyone who registers gets a link to the recording. Each session includes American Sign Language interpretation. Sessions take place on Fridays from 1 to 1:30 p.m. We present these webinars in partnership with Create Calm.Sakai Oho (1808–1841); Japanese Maple and Autumn Plants (detail); Japan, early 19th century; ink and color on paper; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1976.10a–h
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.
國立亞洲藝術博物館邀請您參加免費普通話導覽（無需預約） 在一小時的導覽中，我們的講解員將帶您聚焦博物館中的精華，包括舉世聞名的孔雀廳和精選的中國藝術品。每場導覽都是獨一無二的，讓您每次對藝術品都能有不同的了解。Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1915.103a-b
Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the tour.Dish with foliate flaring rim; Ming dynasty, Xuande reign, 1426–35; Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze; H x Diam: 4.8 × 21.3 cm; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1951.13a-b
The National Museum of Asian Art has over 46,000 artworks from across Asia. Enjoy some of the finest on a docent-led tour and learn about commonalities and differences in cultures, aesthetics, and ideas.