Courtesy of the Freer and Sackler Galleries

If you miss the collections of Asian and Middle Eastern art at the Freer Gallery of Art, which has been closed for major renovations since January of 2016, things will get worse before they get better. The Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery will temporarily close on July 10 for the installation of new collection galleries.

Fortunately, both galleries will reopen on October 14, and to celebrate, the two-day festival “Where Asia Meets America,” co-presented by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, will bring a “vibrant night market” along with food stalls and live music to the National Mall and the grounds of the Freer and Sackler. A Saturday evening program includes “a sea of lanterns” as well as other light displays and video projections.

There’s more to look forward to at the reopened Freer, whose new roster of special exhibits will include “Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt,” originally organized by the Brooklyn Museum of Art. This exhibit will feature displays of cat coffins and representations of the cat goddess Bastet; and in the spirit of inclusiveness, there will be a few dog related pieces as well. Also opening is “Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia,” which draws on the Freer’s collection of Buddhist art.

During its closure, the Freer’s popular film programming, including annual festivals of new cinema from Iran and Hong Kong, has shifted from the Meyer Auditorium to other Smithsonian venues. But according to a spokesperson, the Meyer has received “a sensitive but significant remodel” that “retains its beloved character” while upgrading facilities to 21st century. DCist has been assured that the auditorium still has 35mm projection capabilities.

Where Asia Meets America will take place October 14-15, 2017 on the National Mall.