(Top): Au Ho-nien; Kingfisher and Late Summer Lotus (detail); China, Modern period; ink and color on paper; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Gift from the Estate of Anna C. Chennault, S2019.5.3; (Bottom): Composite image: (top) Vishnu Reclining on the Serpent Ananta (Endless One); Cambodia, Siem Reap province, second half of 11th century; bronze, mercury gilding; National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh; Photograph by Mario Ciampi, © Guicciardini & Magni Architetti / (bottom) Still from the short film Awkun; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Film by praCh Ly

Beat the heat with two engaging programs from the National Museum of Asian Art this month! Enjoy a virtual tour celebrating the landscapes, activities, flora, and fauna of summer, then dive into the history and significance of Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean in a curator tour exploring the monumental bronze and its connections to ancient Angkor and the Cambodian community today. Register today!

Virtual Tour | Summer Scenes in the Arts of Asia
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 3:00-4:00pm
Zoom
Free. Register in advance (required)

Beat the heat while appreciating the beauty of summer with a virtual tour! This tour explores artworks that highlight the hottest season’s landscapes, summer activities, and warm-weather plants and animals. Featured artworks range from paintings and prints to ceramics and metalwork.

To register, click here.

Curator Tour: Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 12:00-1:00pm
Asian Art Museum | Gallery 22 | East Building
Free. Register in advance (recommended)

Get an exclusive tour of Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean with curator Emma Natalya Stein and view the largest bronze ever cast in Southeast Asia. Crafted one thousand years ago in the city of Angkor, this sculpture embodies the Hindu god Vishnu dreaming the universe into existence. Delve into the bronze’s original island-like temple and water’s cultural importance. Meet the present-day Cambodian community and explore the landscape in the exclusive accompanying film.

To register, click here.