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Find this business under: Art Galleries & Dealers, Museums, Museums-Art

A research physician and medical publisher from New York, Dr. Arthur M. Sackler was fascinated by the Asian world. During his lifetime, he collected more than 1,000 works of art, including many ancient ronze, ceramic and jade pieces. Upon his death in 1987, he donated these gifts to the Smithsonian along with $4 million to build a gallery to house them.

Other gifts, such as the Vever Collection of Islamic books and a collection of contemporary Japanese prints and porcelains, have followed over the years. These form the core of the permanent exhibits. Temporary exhibits expand on the core group and have included Korean Art of the 18th Century, A Basketmaker in Rural Japan and Treasures From the Royal Tombs of Ur.

A tour is definitely in order if you are not well- versed in Asian art. While displays indicate the name and date of an object, they fail to tie them together into a comprehensive whole. The tour guides do a better job of introducing visitors to the people and culture behind the objects showcased.

For children, the ImaginAsia program is worth making a special trip on days when it is operating. The museum opens the world of Asia to children through storytellers, guides, crafts and even a treasure hunt -- and a potentially boring trip turns into an exciting adventure into an unknown land.

Officially, the Sackler represents one-half of the National Museum of Asian Art. The other component is the nearby Freer Gallery of Art, known for its Japanese screens, Chinese scrolls and its James McNeill Whistler collection.