Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

a CILC Content Provider

The National Museum of Asian Art is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. With more than 46,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to today, our collections' strengths range from the arts of China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, the ancient Near East and the Islamic World to nineteenth century American art. The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to providing quality Pre-K-12 programs that deepen students understanding of Asian Arts and cultures, develop students' capacity for slow looking, and broaden students' perspective taking capacities.

2023-2024

2022-2023

Programs by Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

Ancient China FREE!

What can art and artifacts tell us about life in Ancient China? Engage with our museum educators to explore objects that illuminate life in the Shang Dynasty such as oracle bones, tomb artifacts, cooking vessels, chariots, weapons and more. This...

Animals and Nature in the Arts of Asia FREE!

Why do people create works of art to express their relationship with nature? Through storytelling, movement, and close looking at flowers, plants, and creatures (both real and imagined!), students will discover ways in which artists express...

Artful Movement: An SEL Arts Adventure - FREE!

How can conversations about art and engaging in movement enhance students' social emotional learning skills? Students will integrate Project Zero thinking routines and mindfulness practices to foster emotional regulation and transform classroom...

Cherry Blossom Festival FREE

What is it about cherry trees, or sakura, that makes them so beloved? During this virtual field trip, students will explore hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of “flower viewing.” Through paintings, woodblock prints, and other art forms...

Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake FREE!

What is Lunar New Year, and how is the celebration similar to and different from celebrations marking January 1? Students will discuss the entertainment, foods, and customs of Lunar New Year. They will learn about the symbolism of the snake as...

Preserving the Past: The Art and Science of Conservation FREE!

Have you ever wondered how artworks are preserved for future generations? In this virtual field trip, students will explore what happens in the museum’s conservation labs, where conservators act as “art doctors,” repairing and preserving...

Stories in Art Across Asia

Join the National Museum of Asian Art for Stories in Art Across Asia. Students will explore artworks from the collection and discover the stories and folktales that bring the artwork to life.Choose from themes like Kindness and Friendship...

Supernatural Stories from Japan FREE!

Explore—if you dare—the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends and real events. Join our expert educators in this interactive program to investigate artwork from Japan and discover stories of scary ghosts...

Symbols in the Arts of Asia FREE!

How are art and fashion used to communicate concepts such as values, identity, and power? Students will identify and interpret designs and objects across Asia that reveal cultural associations and societal values. Students may conclude the program...

The Silk Road and Cultural Exchange FREE!

What can art tell us about the exchange of ideas along the Silk Road? Students will explore how the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchanges of religious and artistic techniques across Asia. They will examine artworks like funerary objects...

World Religions in Art: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam FREE!

How does art preserve and communicate beliefs? Students will examine works of art from the major religious traditions and philosophies that originated in Asia. Teachers may request a focus on one or a combination of the following topics: Hinduism,...

Type of Organization

Arts/Cultural/Museum

Contact

Virtual Museum Educator asiatours@si.edu
1050 Independence Ave SW
Washington DC 20013
202-633-5377
United States

asia.si.edu

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art cover:

Art
Culture
Fine Arts
Foreign & World Languages
Language Arts/English
Professional Development
Religion
Social and Emotional Learning( SEL)
History & Social Studies

Awards, Quotes, Testimonials

"The program was right on target with what we were studying, the
instructors were engaging and knowledgeable."

"The program engaged
their interest to the point where some students wanted more. They requested
more information on certain art pieces, and time to explore their interests. "