The most underrated Smithsonian museum, the Freer Asian Art Museum is a must-go for anyone interested in art, design, or history. The pieces are stunning and range from extremely ancient pieces to more modern ones. The building itself is rather interesting, too, as it is very labyrinthine despite being a regular square building. Overall, you’ll have a great time here.

Fantastic museum located centrally on the national mall that has exhibits of the most prized artifacts throughout the ages centering around Asia. Not a massive space but every artifact is extremely well detailed and information carefully sourced that it easily could take hours depending on how detailed you want to be at reading each artifacts placard. Staff is all extremely friendly and easy access to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery nearby makes this a great choice for visitors and locals alike.

One of the museum must visit while you are in DC! I could not visited all the gallery but they happened to have exhibition about Chinese Empress, very very interesting

This gallery should not go unnoticed!Very small and quaint, but also no crowds and great art. Add it to your national mall list and you won’t be disappointed. Especially if you go now because they are exhibiting Hokusai until November. Most of his work is on silk and it only comes out for 3 months one every 5 years!!!

This free museum houses Galleries 1-20 of the Freer-Sackler Galleries. The exhibits are arranged along a main hallway that wraps its way around a central courtyard. Smaller rooms housing display pieces branch off of the hallway. The museum contains an impressive collection of statues, porcelain, tapestries, and other artwork from Asia, with galleries dedicated to China, Korea, India, and other countries. There is a great deal of information dedicated to tracing the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia. Some notable exhibits include the Peacock Room and the Freer exhibit (dedicated to Charles Lang Freer, for which the museum is named). The central courtyard is also accessible.

Free and an amazing way to spend a couple hours

This is a Smithsonian museum so admission is always free. Its smaller than its sister museums but it has some really wonderful ancient and contemporary art exhibits, with a particular focus on Asia and the Middle East. The standouts for us are the exquisite Chinese porcelains at the Peacock Room, and the colorful paintings by the Japanese artist Hokusai, depicting life in Japan in the 1800s.There is a nice courtyard where you can hang out, especially when art fatigue starts to kick in. There is also a gift shop at the underground level, but no food options. Our visit lasted two hours.

The Freer - Sackler complex is a joy in every way. A glimpse of ancient Yemen in the gallery next to the gift shop particularly appeals. And the coffee bar in the Ripley Center entrance -- with its illy coffee and serene music -- is a pleasant new surprise.

The Freer museum in DC had a really cool Hokusai display. I didnt recognize his name but his wave artwork is probably recognized by all. They didnt have that of course but they did have some other very nice pieces.

The Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (free entries) are where you will find the Smithsonian Institutions coverage of Asian arts. Located on the south side of The Mall, just next to the Smithsonian Institution (Castle), the galleries opening times are 10am to 5.30pm daily.The galleries display small collections of Asian artworks including the likes of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Buddhist, Hindu, Arabic and Islamic works amongst others. What you see are impressive individual pieces however the the collection as a whole is too small and represent a too wide range of respective forms, cultures and art periods. The collections lack depth and breadth compared to the many comprehensive Smithsonian Museums throughout D.C. Here the intention seems more to provide a brief glimpse and introduction to world of Asian arts and that is ok!What I probably enjoyed most during my recent visit was simply viewing the James McNeil Whistler paintings which showcase his interests in Asian tradition, style and delicacy. Whistlers famous The Princess from the Land of Porcelain painting is also on display in the gallery. Apparently this is the first time since 1904 that the painting has been removed from Whistlers other famous creation Peacock Room.I was also very much intrigued by the Filthy Lucre Peacock Room Remix exhibition by Darren Waterston. This is an extraordinary rendition of Whistlers Peacock Room. Visitors are able to walk into the installation and contemplate Waterstons imaginative interpretation, which is thought provoking and highly memorable, regardless if you like what you are seeing or not.During my visit there was also a temporary exhibition Turquoise Mountain highlighting Afghan artists as well as displaying pottery, garment, textiles, woodwork and calligraphy. Afghan artists were on site and giving woodwork demonstrations as well.Note: The Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Galleries are connected by way of underground passage and combined exhibition space with the Ripley Centre and the National Museum of African Arts. You can access each of these venues by way of any of their entrances.

Its a must - wonderful collection for all ages

Wonderful collection, with a knowledge and enthusiastic staff. I misplaced my sunglasses, which was a cause of panic for me, since my severe light sensitivity would have made it incredibly difficult; the dedicated guard, whose name might have been Rick, though I couldnt read his nameplate, kindly kept them until he could return them to me. My day was saved and I was able to enjoy the incredible artwork with a free mind.

Definitely one of the lesser known of the Smithsonian museums...which I certainly don’t mind as it was free of crowds when I came in for a weekday mid-morning. Definitely very informative for someone who knows very little about art in Asia (or art in general for that matter...). Staff was friendly and helpful. Super convenient to the Smithsonian metro stop.

Go see Hokusai’s amazing works! and the peacock room!

A beautiful collection of Asian art. I highly suggest hopping onto a tour (most start around 12:15). The dossants are knowledgeable and passionate about the collection. The Freer also holds the Peacock room, a sight to experience while in D.C. the museum easily connects to the Sackler gallery and between the two is my favorite gift shop in all of D.C.

The Freer Museum is a building with wonderful exhibits on artwork from the Far East, the Near East, the Middle East, and other places. Many of the exhibits change over time to make sure ask the info desk about what to see. Restrooms are available and the museum is linked to the Asian Art Museum, the Ripley Center, and the African Art Museum via underground hallways. Make sure to visit the court yard on sunny days.

This is my favorite museum in DC. I even became a member of the Silk Road Society. I just wish they had more space. If you enjoy Asian art, visit these galleries!

Absolutely beautiful pieces of art, including some collected by Freer himself during his lifetime. There are many galleries showcasing artwork from various regions around the world, which anyone interested in different cultures can appreciate. The building surrounds a very charming garden with a fountain in the very center. Unfortunately, the area around the fountain was roped off, but it is still nice to sit in this outdoor space.

Beautifully kept art museum. This place is rich with art and history from many different cultures. Worth your time.

Wonderful collection! Friendly staff. Many fascinating things to see and learn about!

Free museum has new exhibitions from time to time. Now it’s the Empresses of China’s forbidden city. There is free guide tour to explain those exhibits.

Wonderful collection of Oriental art and material. If you are spritually inclined.. You will like it even more.

The two Smithsonian galleries, this one and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, contain the largest Asian art research library in the U.S. Each Asian culture has a particular room, and the rooms are very well designed, modern, and informative. Exhibits vary from sculptures to ceramics to jewelry to paintings, and more.

Been here many times, a very relaxing gallery, v quiet compared to the rest of the Mall. Always interesting art, and the tunnel to the Store gallery is v convenient. As is the closeness to the Castle.

Very beautiful, great location!!

Sedate well curated museum. On four levels below grade.

Serene! Such a lovely place with a lot to see - Islsmic, Japanese, Chinese art, underappreciated by most of the tourists.

Exceptional small museum with Asian focus. Peacock room not to be missed. Sackler exhibits add to overall experience.

Its a really amazing gallery of you like art, otherwise you will be bored.

The entrance, collections and courtyard are amazing. Nice bathrooms.

Free admission. Nice exhibits. Spacious.

One of the most underrated museums in DC (and a far larger collection than the street view of the building lets on!)

Great little museum...The Freer connects to the Sackler Museum via a hallway for a seamless transition. The Freer is way less crowded and much quieter than the larger Smithsonians. On display are objects (glass, pottery, decorative items) from Asia and the Middle East. They even had a temporary exhibit on Cats in Ancient Egypt! Dont miss the Peacock Room, which was designed by Whistler and faithfully reassembled in an intimate gallery at the Freer.

The amazing thing is they have an authentic paint from Da Vinci!!

Amazing Arab cultural events this weekend at the Freer. Hafez Kotain and Ensemble played this evening plus many other lectures and demonstration. Even a mini- protest broke out before the concert. I am surprised it didnt sell out. A jem of a museum that is often overlooked.

Beautiful works of art in a peaceful building.

Amazing art work.

Hokusai exhibit. Free!

The fact that you have to work on Christmas Eve, or have troubles at home, or whatever else may be bothering you, does not in any way justify treating visitors in a disrespectful and rude manner. Utterly disgusting.

Do the docent led tour, worthwhile!

If you are on a spiritual path of Enlightenment I think this is a great place to experience!

One of the best museum in DC. A wisely selected collection of historical Asian art works and special exhibitions.

Review of Freer and Sackler which are connected on the lower level (also connects to the African Art Museum next door). Very nice, with some more unique exhibits of antiquities. It’s small and doable in 2 or less hours, depending on how much time. The Freer has a more diverse selection and the Peacock Room (must see), while the Sackler is temporary exhibits which were interesting. Chinese bells and Oscar de la Renta dresses!Nice that it’s much less crowded than the National Gallery, and worth a stop if you like art! The Sackler building has a little odd layout, so recommend taking the elevator to the lowest level, unless you want to climb a few stairs. And use the restrooms here as opposed to the next door Smithsonian Castle restrooms which were super crowded on a holiday.

Wonderful if you can see the peacock room

Cool.

Wonderful Asian art

Great place

Cool place

I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice

Love it