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-81- Free Gallery of Art The Freer Gallery is dedicated to sustaining the highest standards in conservation and exhibition, and scholarly activities centered on Oriental art and culture. The collection houses artifacts from China, Japan, Korea, India, Iran, Egypt, and Syria, as well as an important group of Early Christian manuscripts. There is also a collection of approximately 1,400 works by American artists, including one of the largest holdings of the work of James McNeill Whistler. The Charles Lang Freer gift included a generous endowment for the study and development of the collection, as well as funds to construct a building. Construction began in October 1916, but because of delays during World War I, completion was not until 1921. The Gallery was opened to the public in 1923. In accepting Mr. Freer's gift, the Smithsonian agreed to care for and maintain the building and the collections at public expense. [[5-column table]] [[underline]] LOCATION | SIZE | ACQUISITION DATE | ACQUISITION TYPE | ACQUISITION COST [[/underline]] 12th St. between Independence Ave. & Jefferson Dr., S.W., Washington, D.C. | 141,000 gross sq.ft. | 1916-23 | Construction | $2,000,000 Freer bequest | [[underline]]Net Assignable Area[[/underline]] | | | | Exhibition 35,000 sq.ft. | | | | Staff 10,500 sq.ft. | | | | Collections 22,500 sq.ft. | | | | -------------- | | | | 68,000 sq.ft. | | | [[/5-column table]] [[underline]]Major Repairs, Renovations, or Improvements[[/underline]] The Gallery roof, with exception of skylights, has been completely repaired over the last several years. In FY 1980, new chilled water lines will be extended from the Arts and Industries Building to the Freer ($64,000), and in FY 1981-82 most of the heating and ventilating, and air conditioning equipment will be replaced and upgraded (estimated $700,000). In FY 1980, preliminary investigation and design for enclosing the central open courtyard to expand present exhibition areas and improve visitor orientation and circulation will be undertaken in expectation of a future construction request. At this time, repair and improvements are expected to cost approximately $2.1 million.