617.495.9400

THE ARTHUR M. SACKLER MUSEUM

485 Broadway (T: Harvard Square)

Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m.

Founded in 1985 to hold Harvard's collection of Asian, Ancient, Islamic, and Indian art, the Sackler is the newest addition to the Harvard University Museums. The holdings contain one of the best jade collections in the country, as well an extensive representation of early Chinese bronzes (most notably a series of three ritual bells from the late Chou dynasty). Also particularly strong are the ancient Greek vases, with exquisite exa.m.ples of both red-figure and black-figure techniques. Not to be missed: the beautifully preserved and delicately painted Japanese hand-scroll depicting "The Tale of the Rat." Currently on display: "Letters in Gold: Ottoman Calligraphy from the Sakip Sabanci Museum, Istanbul," a richly presented selection from the most highly esteemed of all Islamic artforms. A must-see.

617.495.9400

THE CARPENTER CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

24 Quincy St. (T: Harvard Square)

The illustrious Carpenter Center, home of the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies, holds the honor of being the only Le Corbusier building in North America. Against this starkly beautiful backdrop of geometric form, primary colors, and elemental textures, are held a constant string of rotating exhibitions. As a display space, the Carpenter Center functions as the typical university art gallery: Alternating between senior thesis displays, faculty shows, and periodic travelling exhibitions. In the past, these exhibits have included the work of such internationally-renown artists as Elizabeth Peyton and Kara Walker.

617.495.3251