The Archives holds 44 rare photonegative portraits of Cixi (1835–1908), the Qing empress dowager of China. Photographer Xunling, the son of the empress dowager's senior lady-in-waiting, may have been the only person ever permitted to photograph the empress dowager. More »

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Freer and Sackler Archives

The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives is a manuscript and photograph repository dedicated to furthering the study of Asian and Middle Eastern art and culture, as well as turn-of-the-century American art. The Archives collects, preserves, and makes available documentary materials supporting the holdings and research activities of the two galleries and enabling scholars to analyze primary materials.

The Collections

The Archives houses more than 140 collections—amounting to over one thousand linear feet of materials—dating from the early nineteenth century to the present. Rich and diverse materials include the personal and professional papers of preeminent art historians, archaeologists, artists, dealers, and collectors, plus major collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century photography of Asia and the Middle East. The collections also include still and moving pictures, graphics, audio tapes, and other forms of documentation.

Collection highlights: Manuscripts and Papers
Collection highlights: Documentary Art and Photography

Accessing the Collections

Proir to contacting the Archives, we encourage researchers to first review our online records in the Smithsonian Collections Center, which has a complete list of our collections, as well as links to finding aids and highlighted objects. If specific information cannot be found through our online resources, or if you want to arrange an appointment, please contact us via our query form or telephone Archives staff at 202.633.0533.

Donations

We actively seek donations that support the collecting mission of the Archives. If you own items you believe would enhance our holdings, the Archives welcomes your inquiry. Because we are unable to accept all potential gifts, please do not send your collection until after you have contacted us. Please e-mail a brief description of the material, including the size of the collection, the media (photographs, letters, films, etc.), and any relevant background information. We will respond at the earliest opportunity.

The Archives cannot provide appraisals. Prospective donors who require or desire a monetary assessment are encouraged to contact an independent appraiser or any one of a number of appraisal societies, such as the American Society of Appraisers (800.272.8258).