A Visit to the Freer Gallery of Art and Dinner on Capital Hill

My wife and I recently went into downtown Washington, D.C., as we do periodically on weekends to walk around, always with the possibility of seeing something new. We took the Orange Line on D.C.’s Metro Rail, and exited at the Smithsonian Station, which takes commuters into the heart of the National Mall. We had no specific destination in mind when we arrived. However, upon exiting we noticed the Freer Gallery of Art building, an institution that somehow escaped our notice in the past.



The Freer Gallery of Art, located along Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, is home to a fascinating collection of Asian art and antiquities. Compared the imposing size and decorative architecture of some of the surrounding buildings nearby, the building that houses the Freer Gallery of Art is somewhat unassuming, although with its stone-block construction and three Roman-arch style columns at the main entrance, the building projects permanence and blends well with its surroundings. In the center of the building is a courtyard accessible to visitors, complete with a fountain, flower beds and small trees.

The Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Collections include ancient Near Eastern art; arts of the Islamic World; Chinese art; Japanese art; Korean art; South Asian and Himalayan art; and contemporary art. Objects include ceramics, bronze and stone work and woodwork. The historical range of the objects is impressive; some date as far back as 5,000 B.C.E., and are in remarkable condition. Viewing these collections, I could not help but to be amazed at the attention to detail exhibited on many of these objects, and the time, planning, and skill that ancient craftsmen put into them.

One of my favorite pieces. This relief is one of four reliefs that tell the story of Buddha and his quest for enlightenment. In this relief, Buddha is surrounded by tempting distractions from knowledge and contemplation, a subject I can identify with.

After leaving the Freer Gallery of Art, we made our way to the Capitol Hill District, one of the oldest sections of the city. Today it is a vibrant neighborhood with historic row houses and small businesses, including a variety of restaurants. We decided to try Tune Inn Restaurant and Pub on Pennsylvania Ave. SE, between S 3rd Street and S 4th Street. Locals often talked highly of the restaurant, and after finishing our meals, we agreed the restaurant lives up to the hype. The interior, with its antler chandeliers, brick walls with dark wood panelling, and collection of antique rifles, creates a warm, western style atmosphere that is unique in this east coast capital city.