Hidden beneath the Enid A. Haupt Garden, a secret awaits. The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery beckons, a subterranean world of Asian art and wonder. The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery opened in 1987. It became the Smithsonian’s second museum dedicated to Asian art. Dr. Arthur M. Sackler, a New York psychiatrist and passionate art collector, made this possible. He not only donated 1,000 pieces of his personal collection but also contributed $4 million to construct the building.
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery’s story began even before its doors opened. In 1979, Japan’s Prime Minister announced a generous donation to the Smithsonian. This donation would help build an annex to the Freer Gallery of Art, creating a dedicated space to display Asian art. The US Senate further supported the Smithsonian’s vision. They approved funding to create museums for both Asian and African art.
Dr. Sackler’s gift in 1982 truly set the stage for the gallery. His vast donation included ancient Near Eastern metalware and ceramics, sculptures from South and Southeast Asia, and an array of Chinese treasures. Jades, bronzes, lacquerware, and paintings all found their way into the collection, showcasing the depth and breadth of Asian artistic traditions. This donation, valued at an astounding $50 million, laid the foundation for what would become a world-renowned institution.
The building itself, a marvel of modern architecture, is mostly underground. Designed by Jean Paul Carlhian, the structure seamlessly connects to the Freer Gallery of Art and other underground buildings. The above-ground pavilion, a beautiful granite structure within the Enid A. Haupt Garden, serves as the gateway to this hidden realm.
Inside the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, visitors encounter a diverse range of Asian art and culture. The inaugural exhibitions in 1992 showcased both permanent collection objects and intriguing loans. From ancient Iranian metalwork and ceramics to Buddhist and Jain sculptures from South Asia, the gallery offered a captivating journey through time and artistic styles. The gallery’s collection has continued to grow, encompassing Chinese, Indian, Korean, and Japanese paintings, along with photography, contemporary ceramics, and Japanese prints and pottery.
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery isn’t just a repository of art; it’s a center for scholarship and conservation. The Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, a pioneering institution, applies scientific methods to the study and preservation of these precious artifacts. Fellowships and symposiums further enhance the gallery’s commitment to research and education.
Beyond the exhibitions, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery connects with the community through a variety of events. From musical performances to scholarly lectures, these programs bring Asian art and culture to life. The gallery’s initiatives, like the Nowruz celebration made possible by a generous gift from Jahangir Amuzegar, reflect its dedication to sharing the richness and diversity of Asian traditions. As you explore the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, remember the passion of Dr. Sackler, whose vision brought this hidden treasure to light.