Trafficked Antiquities
In February 2023, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art agreed with Yemen to safeguard more than 70 trafficked antiquities, seized and repatriated by the U.S. government. Discover the captivating stories behind these ancient artifacts at the "Ancient Yemen: Incense, Art, and Trade" exhibition, in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Join the museum for an expert-led web seminar, “Ancient Yemen: Looking East and West,” to delve into the rich history of ancient Yemen on May 28th, 2024.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of American art. In the newly renovated third floor galleries, explore “Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women,” on view through August 26th, 2024. The museum’s Renwick Gallery displays craft and decorative art. Upcoming exhibitions include “Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women,” starting May 31, 2024. See conservators at work at the Lunder Conservation Center.
Indian Classical Dance
You can catch Deepti Mukund Navile’s Natyabhoomi Dance Company perform at the Fiesta Asia Street Fair in Downtown DC on May 18th, 2024. Check out the Indian Dance Educators Association, listing 25 dance schools in the D.C. metro area that teach the dance styles Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and more.
Previews + Extras
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is Evolving
S11 E8 - 6m 55s
With over 40,000 works by more than 7,000 artists, the Smithsonian American Art Museum offers a captivating journey through the cultural landscape of the United States. Join museum director Stephanie Stebich on a tour of the newly renovated third-floor galleries and a a first hand glimpse of art conservation in action. Along the way, Stebich shares her vision for the museum's future.
Step into the World of Bharatanatyam, a Classical Indian Dance Form
S11 E8 - 9m 3s
Step into the world of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form that has been nurtured and celebrated for centuries. Bharatanatyam is recognized as one of India's nine classical dance styles by the Ministry of Culture. From divine offerings to mythical tales, each performance intricately weaves together stories of Hindu gods and goddesses, connecting generations and bridging cultures.
How the United States and Yemen Work Together to Combat Art Crime
S11 E8 - 9m 12s
Felicia Curry explores the fascinating world of ancient artifacts and the efforts to preserve cultural heritage in the face of looting and smuggling. Through interviews with experts and law enforcement officials, Curry highlights the extent of art crime across the world and the devastating impact it has on countries like Yemen, which are struggling with civil unrest.
Preview: WETA Arts May 2024
S11 E8 - 30s
Diplomats, curators and law enforcement share the dramatic story of 79 trafficked and repatriated Yemeni antiquities currently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. A student of classical Indian dance style called Bharathanatyam performs her debut. WETA Arts host Felicia Curry sits down with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s director to chat about the building’s renovations.
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