The Peacock Room

I have a new found obsession with all things "Whistler". I visited Washington DC during the holiday break (yes...I went from Miami, Florida to Washington D.C. in the dead of winter!) and took a stroll around the Freer/Sackler Smithsonian Museum of Art.

visitingdc.com

 The museum is relatively small with a beautiful central courtyard. I was particularly interested in checking out "The Peacock Room", which has been restored to its appearance from 1908.

http://www.asia.si.edu/

Charles Lang Freer used the room as a space to display his collection of more than 250 ceramics  pieces from throughout Asia. Originally designed by the architect Thomas Jeckyll, the room was redecorated by James McNeill Whistler as a "harmony in blue and gold".

http://www.asia.si.edu/

Charles Freer believed that "all works of art go together, whatever their period.", not only can this be seen in the Peacock Room and the diverse collection it holds, but also in the Freer Gallery as a whole.

http://www.asia.si.edu/

 The detail of the space is a fantastic feast for the eyes. The space becomes even more spectacular the third Thursday of every month when the shutters are opened and the sunlight washes over the brilliant blues, greens and golds within the room.