Arthur M. Sackler Museum

Arthur M. Sackler Museum is one of the Harvard Art Museums located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The museum is named after Arthur M. Sackler, a prominent psychiatrist, art collector, and philanthropist. The museum is part of the Harvard University and houses a significant collection of Asian, Islamic, and Indian art.

History

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum was established in 1985, following a generous donation from Arthur M. Sackler. The museum was designed by the renowned architect James Stirling and is known for its distinctive postmodern architecture. The museum's collection was initially formed from Sackler's personal collection, which he donated to Harvard University.

Collections

The museum's collections are divided into several key areas:

Asian Art

The Asian art collection includes works from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Highlights include ancient Chinese bronzes, Japanese woodblock prints, and Korean ceramics.

Islamic Art

The Islamic art collection features a wide range of objects, including ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts from across the Islamic world. The collection spans from the 7th century to the present day.

Indian Art

The Indian art collection includes sculptures, paintings, and textiles from various regions of India. Notable pieces include ancient Indian sculptures and Mughal miniature paintings.

Exhibitions and Programs

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational programs. These programs are designed to engage the public and provide deeper insights into the museum's collections. The museum also collaborates with other institutions and scholars to present special exhibitions and research projects.

Architecture

The building designed by James Stirling is a notable example of postmodern architecture. It features a distinctive facade with a combination of brick and glass elements. The interior spaces are designed to provide optimal viewing conditions for the artworks, with carefully controlled lighting and climate conditions.

Harvard Art Museums

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum is one of the three museums that make up the Harvard Art Museums, along with the Fogg Museum and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Together, these museums hold one of the largest and most comprehensive art collections in the United States.

See Also

• Harvard Art Museums
• Fogg Museum
• Busch-Reisinger Museum
• Arthur M. Sackler
• James Stirling (architect)