Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art forms a part of the esteemed Smithsonian Institution. It was established in 1987, thanks to Dr. Sackler's generous contribution of his collection of Asian art to the Smithsonian. Dr. Sackler also made a substantial donation of around $4 million to aid in the construction of the museum, ensuring that the art within could be appreciated by a wide audience.

The gallery features a diverse range of art exhibitions, encompassing ceramics from Southeast Asia, sculptures from both Southeast Asia and the Himalayas, and a dedicated section highlighting the arts of China. An upcoming permanent exhibit to look forward to is the Buddhist Shrine Room.

Together with the Freer Gallery, the Sackler Gallery houses one of the largest collections of Chinese art outside of China. The collection of jade is particularly noteworthy, with some pieces dating back 5,000 years. The lacquer collection is equally impressive, particularly the intricate work on the food boxes.

Don't forget to explore the rotating exhibitions, as the Sackler Gallery is renowned for hosting exhibitions showcasing Asian art. Additionally, the gallery houses an extensive Asian art research library that is open to the public without requiring an appointment. Approximately half of the collected volumes are in Asian languages.

The majority of the gallery is situated below ground level, which allows for the creation of a captivating rooftop garden at ground level on the Mall. These gardens carry on the Asian theme seen in the gallery's collections.