IlluminAsia: A Festival of Asian Art, Food, and Cultures

Freer|Sackler, National Mall, and Haupt Garden | Free and open to the public

Saturday, October 14, 2017, 5 pm–12 am
Sunday, October 15, 2017, 11 am–5 pm

The museums will be open 6 pm–12 am on Saturday, October 14, and 10 am–5:30 pm on Sunday, October 15.

Join us for a festival of Asian art, food, and cultures to celebrate the grand reopening of the Freer|Sackler. The IlluminAsia festival will transform the museums’ grounds with an Asian food market, interactive cooking and art demonstrations, live music by members of the Silkroad Ensemble, and creations by local and international artists. Inside, visitors can experience the reimagined galleries and innovative exhibitions, as well as performances, conversations, and other immersive activities.

IlluminAsia kicks off on Saturday, October 14, with a night market featuring food and art and a stunning animated projection on the Freer Gallery façade. On Sunday, October 15, the food market will continue alongside cultural programming for all ages throughout the museums and outdoor gardens.

IlluminAsia is copresented with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Note: Activities are subject to change without notice. In the event of rain, the festival will continue inside the Freer|Sackler and the adjoining S. Dillon Ripley Center. Bags larger than 17 × 24 inches must be checked in lockers; space is limited.

Festival accessibility information (PDF)
Acknowledgements and event sponsors