Map & Directions

A courtyard in orang light with minimal trees near the surrounding windows and a fountain in the center.

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, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, which are connected underground.

Freer Gallery of Art
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave. SW

Please note that there will be construction taking place near the entrance to the Freer Gallery of Art on Jefferson Drive, beginning on February 1, 2023. The museum will remain open but visitors are encouraged to enter via Independence Avenue to avoid disruption.

Visit our accessibility page for information on wheelchair-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. Use the “12th St. at Jefferson Dr. SW (The Mall)” exit, then cross the street southbound to enter the Freer Gallery of Art. Alternatively, 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 and continue east along Independence Ave. until you reach the gate of the Haupt Garden; turn left to enter the 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 to23rd 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 or text directions.