The elevator in the West Building (Freer Gallery of Art) is out of service. Find other accessible routes.
Map & Directions
Locations and Accessibility
The National Museum of Asian Art is located on the National Mall, the iconic area between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The museum is made up of two buildings that are connected underground.
West Building (Freer Gallery of Art)
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW
East Building (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)
1050 Independence Ave. SW
Visit our accessibility page for information on accessible entrances and other accommodations available for visitors.
Getting Here
Get directions via Google Maps
The National Museum of Asian Art is steps from the Smithsonian Metro stop. Take the Orange/Silver/Blue Lines to Smithsonian.
To Enter the West Building
Use the “12th St. at Jefferson Dr. SW (The Mall)” exit, then cross the street southbound to enter the West Building (Freer Gallery of Art).
The accessible entrance is on the other side of the West Building, at the corner of Independence Avenue and 12th Street SW.
To Enter the East Building
- Use the “SW corner 12th St. & Independence Ave., SW” exit or “NW corner 12th St. & Independence Ave., SW” exit.
- Cross the intersection eastbound toward the northeast corner.
- Continue east along Independence Ave. until you reach the gate of the Haupt Garden.
- Turn left to enter the East Building (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery).
Bus stops near the museum include Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza (681, 881, 883,884, 885, 886), Independence Ave SW & 12th St SW (52, 230, 250, 281, 481, 483, 484, 486, 612, 630,725, D-300, DC1, DC2), and Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW (NMS).
Groups arriving by chartered bus should note that the United States Park Police (202.426.6841) discourages bus parking on the Mall and recommends the following areas:
- Constitution Avenue: 15th to 23rd Streets on the north side heading west.
- Independence Avenue: After 15th Street on the right for one block, heading west toward the Washington Monument.
- Jefferson Drive: 4th and 3rd Streets, either side, one way heading east.
- West Basin Drive and Ohio Drive: In West Potomac Park, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.
- Ohio Drive: In East Potomac Park, between the Jefferson Memorial and Hanes Point.
- Buses should drop off and pick up visitors to the National Museum of Asian Art on the Mall side (Jefferson Drive).
Several bike lanes and off-street trails provide nearby access to the museum by bike, and bike racks are available on Jefferson Drive and Independence Avenue. Nearby Capital Bike share stations include: Smithsonian-National Mall / JeffersonDr & 12th St SW, Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza SW/DOE, USDA / 12th & C St SW.
You can book guaranteed parking in advance via ParkWhiz.
Our Neighbors on the Mall
Review maps and information on our fellow Smithsonian museums. We are located next door to the Smithsonian Castle and the National Museum of African Art and are across the Mall from the National Museum of Natural History.
Inside the Museum
Navigating museums can be tricky. To help prepare you for your visit, download or review our museum map.
The elevator in the West Building (Freer Gallery of Art) is out of service. Visit our accessibility page for accessible entrances and information about navigating inside the museum.
