Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Activity Overview

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is one of the Smithsonian Institution's two national museums in Wasington, D.C. dedicated to Asian art. It is named after Arthur M. Sackler, an American psychiatrist and philanthropist who donated 1,000 items to the museum when it was founded in 1982.

The Sackler Gallery is a great place for families with children of all ages to learn about Asian art and culture while viewing priceless pieces of artwork and cultural artifacts in a family-friendly setting.

Things to Do

• Explore the museum's vast art collections which include sculptures from Southeast Asia, paintings from China, contemporary Japanese pottery, Persian manuscripts, and much more.
• Participate in one of the family programs offered by the Freer and Sackler Galleries! At ImaginAsia, visitors can explore the collection and then create their own artwork inspired by what they've just seen in the galleries. Learn more about family programs here.
• Go to one of the gallery's fun events! They include storytelling, musical performances, puppetry, live dance, and poetry writing. Check the Events page for schedules.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Insider Tips

• There isn't much on-street parking near the museum, so consider using public transportation. If you're taking the Metro, just get off at the Smithsonian Metro stop and you'll only be a few steps away!
• Visit the museum store after your visit to buy a fun souvenir or a replica of a fascinating cultural item you saw in the collections.
• If you enjoy your visit to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, consider visiting the nearby Freer Gallery of Art, the other Washington, D.C.-based Smithsonian museum dedicated to Asian art. Its collections contain over 26,000 items, including ancient Egyptian sculptures, Japanese folding screens, and Buddhist sculptures.