The Sackler Gallery in Washington DC
A Quiet, Soothing Gem Tucked Away in a Corner of the Mall
Apr 11, 2009
A Short History of the Sackler Gallery
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is graced with gorgeous Chinese objects set off by cool sage-green walls. The gallery opened in 1987 to house the collection of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987). Dr. Sackler was a psychiatrist who spent most of his life in New York City. He earned his fortune by acquiring and owning the rights to import and sell Valium in the U. S. During his life, he acquired a taste for Chinese artifacts, and at the time of his death his collection amounted to around 1,000 objects. The Sackler has arranged the collection chronologically. Highlights of the collection include beautifully made (but very sharp) stone knives that are 5,000 years old, a pair of 18th century lacquered armoires, elegant ceramics and silk screens. Hours are from 10 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Dec. 25, and admission is free.
The Sackler Gallery is Quiet and Soothing
The Sackler Museum is mostly underground. The visitor will go down a series of elegant staircases. The effect of shutting out the outside world is enhanced by the sound of the waterfall growing louder with each step down. The original collection of Dr. Sackler’s artifacts is on the first floor down. Below that is the exhibition space, classrooms and offices. Exhibitions change every few months. Current exhibitions are: The Tale of Shuten Doji (March 21-September 20, 2009) and Moving Perspectives: Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba/Fiona Tan (March 14-June 7, 2009).
The Gardens are Small, but Enchanting
Once a tour of the museum has been completed, the visitor ascends towards the light, exits, and then discovers a series of beautiful gardens. The Sackler Gallery together with the Smithsonian Castle and the National Museum of African Art form a quadrangle with different gardens. The garden next to the Smithsonian Castle is like a typical Victorian parterre. The one next to the Museum of African Art is based on the gardens at the Alhambra Palace in Spain. The garden near the Sackler museum is based on a Chinese moon garden. Sitting on a bench in January in bright wintry sunshine, one will notice magnolia trees that are thick with buds and the promise of spring.
For the Sackler Gallery website, click here. Please note that the Smithsonian Institution has organized its website, so that information about the Sackler Gallery is mixed up with information about the Freer Gallery, which is next door to the Sackler and connected by an underground tunnel.
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