National Museum of Asian Art

The Freer and Sackler Galleries are the Smithsonian museums for Asian art. From exquisite painted screens to gorgeous ceramics, to incredible sculptures, the museums' collections are absolutely breathtaking, and are a must-see for any art lover.Best and worst time to go to Freer & Sackler GalleryThe Freer Gallery will be closed from January of 2016 to summer of 2017 for renovations. Other than that, the museums are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Christmas. As with any destination on the National Mall, it's best to avoid days when protests, concerts, marathons or similar evens are occurring nearby. These events (and all attendant metro and road closures) are typically very well-publicized, so they shouldn't catch you by surprise.Must see/do at Freer & Sackler GalleryOne of the most famous exhibits in the Freer & Sackler Galleries is the collection of paintings by James Whistler. The museums boast more than 1,500 of the artist's works (many of which show the influence of Asian art). By far the piece de resistance of this collection, however, is The Peacock Room, an entire dining room painted by Whistler.Admission to the Freer & Sackler GalleryThe Freer & Sackler Galleries, like all Smithsonian museums, are free except for special exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions and their prices will be listed on both the museum website and at the entrance, and tend to be around 10-20 dollars.Parking and public transportation to Freer GalleryAs with most destinations in Washington DC, it is HIGHLY advisable to avoid driving if possible. While there is paid street parking and garages, both are expensive. Fortunately, the gallery is right next to the Smithsonian Metro station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. It is additionally accessible using the DC Bike Share program, with two bike docks extremely close the museum, one at Independence and L'Enfant Plaza, one at 12th Street and Independence.Food at Freer & Sackler GalleriesThere are is no food available inside the museum, however, the National Mall itself is surrounded by a bevy of food trucks, restaurants, and cafés. The Pavilion Cafe at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, and the Castle Cafe at the Smithsonian Castle are particularly good, but if you want a real taste of DC, go to one of the food trucks along Route One, pick up an on-the-go meal, and enjoy it at sitting on one of the benches that line the Mall.Insider tip for visitors to Freer & Sackler GalleriesOn a nice day, take some time to head behind the Freer & Sackler Galleries to check out the Enid A. Haupt gardens. The public garden - complete with meandering paths, benches to rest on, fountains, and gorgeously cultivated plants - is an incredible oasis in the middle of a busy city.Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at DC cocktail parties.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, offers visitors an immersive experience into the natural world through a wide array of exhibits and educational programs. With a commitment to showcasing the diversity of life on Earth, the museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions, including rare gemstones and fossil displays. In addition to its exhibits, the museum actively engages families and communities through events that celebrate nature and education. By expanding its digital content and programming, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History aims to keep curious minds informed and inspired about the wonders of our planet. Generated from the website

The Smithsonian Institution is a renowned cultural and educational organization located in Washington, DC. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, history, and science through its various museums and research facilities. As a leader in public education, the Smithsonian offers a wealth of resources and exhibits that engage visitors and promote learning. Its commitment to research and scholarship makes it a vital institution for both local and international communities. Generated from the website