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Freer 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 Free 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.

[[underlined]] LOCATION [[underlined]]: 12th St between Independence Ave. & Jefferson Dr., S.W. Washington, D.C.

[[underlined]] SIZE [[underlined]]: 141,000 gross sq. ft.

[[underlined]] ACQUISITION DATE [[/underlined]]: 1916-23

[[underlined]] ACQUISITION TYPE [[/underlined]]: Construction

[[underlined]] ACQUISITION COST [[/underlined]]: $2,000,000 Freer bequest

[[underlined]] Net Assignable Area [[/underlined]]
Exhibition - 35,000 sq. ft.
Staff - 10,500 sq. ft.
Collections - [[underlined]]22,500[[/underlined]] sq. ft.
[[total]] - 68,000 sq. ft.

[[underlined]] Major Repairs, Renovations, or Improvements  [[/underlined]]

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 exhibit 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.

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