Ceiling of the Freer Gallery of Art

NMAA Centennial Celebration

The National Museum for Asian Art

Government + Cultural Institution

100 years after becoming Smithsonian Institution’s first museum on the National Mall, The National Museum of Asian Art celebrated with a yearlong of discussions, screenings, parties, and festivities alike to recognize this momentous milestone. The Dufour Collaborative partnered with the museum to produce its capstone events, the centennial festival and gala, honoring the past 100 years but launching itself into the next 100 more focused on its mission than ever.

 

Event Name

The National Museum for Asian Art’s Centennial Celebration

Year

2023

Client

The National Museum for Asian Art

Event Type

Seated Dinner, Concert, Festival

Audience

Philanthropists, Artists, General Public

Attendee Count

1,500+

Location

The Smithsonian Freer +
The Arts and Industries Building
Table setting at the NMAA Centennial Celebration.

A true collaboration, NMAA + Dufour worked hand in hand to design, program, and execute each day of the festival. Beginning Wednesday a breakfast at the Vice President’s Residence and the Centennial Gala, esteemed art enthusiast and board members gathered for a celebration of the rich tapestry of Asian cultures and artforms that are showcased within the Museum. Performances included Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe, Grammy Award Winning Korean American violinist Jennifer Koh, DC Bhangra, and DJ 2-Tone Jones. Emceed by board member Mindy Kaling, the evening was a testament to the beautiful artwork and stories of the museum.

Thursday and Friday featured a moonlit dance party DJ’d by 2-Tone Jones under a Disco ball lit Freer Plaza, followed by an epic concert featuring popular artists Raveena and Eric Nam. Saturday guests from around the country were invited to explore a day long festival featuring Asian artists, performers, and creators throughout a series of stages and stalls within the Freer, AIB, and National Mall. Red-Eye Market partnered with the Museum to provide a spectacular array of Asian eats throughout the day. Masterfully planned and executed, this celebration has catapulted the museum into another successful century.

Image of the NMAA Centennial Celebration.
Eric Nam singing at the NMAA Centennial Celebration.
Lion dance at the NMAA Centennial Celebration.
A band playing at the NMAA Centennial Celebration.