goSmithsonian - February 2008 - (Page 46) THE BASICS HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed December 25. ADDRESS: Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW TEL: 202.633.1000 (voice/tape); 202.633.5285 (TTY) WEB: www.asia.si.edu METRO: metro ® Freer Gallery of Art The Freer Gallery of Art, named for Detroit industrialist Charles Lang Freer, boasts an internationally renowned collection of Asian art and is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the American artist James McNeill Whistler. Freer became interested in Asian art through his friendship with Whistler, whose work had been strongly influenced by Japanese prints and Chinese ceramics. In 1906, Freer donated his 7,500 paintings, sculptures, drawings and works in metal, lacquer and jade to the Smithsonian, along with endowment funds. Today, the collection has grown to some 24,000 works. M ● ● Smithsonian (ORANGE AND BLUE LINES) Tips for Getting Started… • Daily free tours begin at the information desk at 12:15 p.m., except Wednesdays and public holidays, and are subject to docent availability. and guest speakers for insights into the objects on view. Ask at the information desk for details and times. A schedule of exhibition talks and lectures is available at www.asia.si.edu. A 13th-century ivory throne leg from India can be seen in the exhibition, “Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas,” on Level 3. Get the inside story of the Peacock Room See stunning Japanese screens Experience Asian dance, film and music Learn about Chinese art • Check out our gallery talks by curators • Tour groups of ten or more must make a reservation by calling 202633-1012 or by e-mailing asiatours@si.edu. Foreign language tours and sign-language interpreters are available by reservation. EXHIBITIONS: “Tales of the Brush Continued: Chinese Paintings With Literary Themes” (opens Feb. 9); “Taking Shape: Ceramics in Southeast Asia” (through 2010); “Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas” (indefinite); “The Arts of China” (indefinite). www.goSmithsonian.com 46 COURTESY OF THE FREER GALLERY OF ART (2) There’s something about the wooden Kongorikishi warriors (Japan, 11851333) that children find entertaining. WHAT’S GOING ON: The Freer offers a rich program of free Asiarelated films, concerts, dance performances and lectures in the Meyer Auditorium. Programs are subject to change, so call 202-6331000 or go to: www.asia.si.edu. For a calendar of events, call (202) 633-0519 or pick up a copy at the information desk. http://www.asia.si.edu http://www.asia.si.edu http://www.asia.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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