PHOTOS: What You Missed at Friday’s Asia After Dark at the Sackler
Dancing, drinking, cavorting: that was the scene at Friday night’s bash at the Smithsonian’s Asian art musuem
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The Sackler Gallery welcomed visitors for a night of fun, music and art. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
The federal buildings were mostly dark, save for a single floor lit up by the night cleaning crew. The expansive roads stretching to Capitol Hill were mostly empty, punctuated only by the yawn of a solitary passing car. The capital had gone home. But outside the Sackler Gallery, the party was just getting started.
For those in the know, the after-hours happenings at the Smithsonian are the place to be and Friday night’s Asia After Dark was no exception. Dressed to the nines, D.C.’s young and hip queued up in the shadow of the Castle, the electronic thump-thumping of DJ Spooky luring them inside. Food trucks, cash bars, glow sticks, crafts, curator tours and live music from instrumentalists Danielle Cho and Jennifer Kim awaited the eager crowd. As one anonymous party-goer declared. “Let’s go get some culture!”
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A crowd begins to gather promptly at 7 p.m. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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With its winding staircases and peekaboo windows, the Sackler is the perfect place for a party. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Drinks provided by Ping Pong included a signature cocktail and Chinese beer. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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After getting a drink, guests could wander through the exhibits, including “Shadow Sites” and “Nomads and Networks.” Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Of course, some guests just wanted to groove. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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DJ Spooky provided the night’s entertainment with silent screenings from 1940s movie star Anna May Wong’s career running in the background. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Party-goers brought their fashion A-game and then some. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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An elegant entrance was enjoyed by all who ventured to the gallery’s lower levels. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Electronic beats mixed with live performances. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Down the hall, guests crafted their own instruments. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Visitors enjoy the music before heading off for guided-tours of the exhibits. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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Film, music and installations scored this night high on the arty scale. Photo by Leah Binkovitz
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…and drinks and glow sticks gave the evening a well-rounded feel. Photo by Leah Binkovitz