Archived - Shows And Events

This special display of instruments made by three generations of the Sax family marks the bicentenary of the birth of Adolphe Sax. Rare saxophones, brass instruments, and an exquisite ivory clarinet are among the twenty-six instruments selected to showcase the inventions and innovations of this important family. There are few instrument makers who have become a household name. The eponymous instru...

East Asian Lacquer, 14th–20th Century - For more than two millennia, lacquer has been a primary medium in the arts of East Asia. This installation explores the many ways in which this material has been manipulated to create designs by painting, carving, or inlaying precious materials such as gold or mother-of-pearl. Drawn entirely from the permanent collection, this display celebrates the artistry...

Chinese Tapestry and Embroidery, 12th–19th Century - The thinness and strength of silk make it the ideal material for weaving or embroidering elegant, painting-like images characterized by fluid outlines, rich colors, and even the addition of calligraphic inscriptions and seals. Drawn from the Metropolitan's superb holdings of Chinese tapestries and embroideries, this installation, which features ...

October 11, 2014 - January 29, 2017 - This exhibition will present an abstracted view of many galloping horses merged into one massive mythical horse charging around the museum’s patio wall and alongside Norfolk Avenue. Referencing the great American western painting tradition, the multi headed horse’s coat and mane will reflect the colors of the exterior architectural surfaces of the museum. Crea...

This exhibition explores the often surprising ways in which contemporary artists use trees as an inspiration as well as a medium for their art. Made with bark, wood, roots, seedpods, leaves and biosignals, over 30 varied works and a selection of hands-on interactive opportunities ask us to consider our relationship with trees as a vital natural force. From Diego Stocco's music compositions made wi...

This exhibition contains more than 40 pieces of Pueblo Indian pottery are now on view dating from the late 19th century to the present time. The pottery is placed within historical context to demonstrate how certain factors brought about stylistic change and innovation. The installation highlights how the majority of distinctive Pueblo ceramic traditions have evolved gradually over time although c...

September 21, 2014 - April 15, 2020 - This exhibition is the story of that relationship, including the history and legacy of U.S.–American Indian diplomacy from the colonial period through the present. From a young age, most Americans learn about the Founding Fathers, but are told very little about equally important and influential Native diplomats and leaders of Indian Nations. Treaties lie at th...

The National Museum of the American Indian teaches our visitors, and people across the world, that American Indians are both a defining part of our past and a vital part of America’s unfolding future. This includes telling the bigger story of the complex and often disastrous relationship between the U.S. government and American Indian Nations, through the ongoing history of their treaties. Closed ...

August 28, 2014 - April 24, 2016 - An exhibition of photographic portraits, explores how cultural achievements of the ancient Middle East have created or contributed to much of modern life. To show the connections between the past and today, artifacts that document the origins or development of professions such as baker, farmer, manicurist, brewer, writer, astronomer, or judge in the ancient world...

August 16, 2014. - April 16, 2017 - The exhibition displays these second-floor galleries showcase with some of the finest art and artifacts from the Tidewater region, including paintings, sculpture, furniture, and silver. It's a celebration of a rich history of creativity and culture.