GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

FREER SACKLER GALLERIES

The new exhibition at the Smithsonian museums of Asian art is “Inventing Utamaro: A Japanese Masterpiece Rediscovered.” The distinct figure drawings of Kitagawa Utamaro—who elongated the face, neck, and nose of his subjects, while rendering the eyes and mouth incredibly small—exerted a profound influence on depictions of Japanese beauty. This exhibition brings together the panels of an important triptych that hasn’t been seen as a whole since 1879. April 8 to July 9, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, 202-633-1000; asia.si.edu

KREEGER MUSEUM

More than 300 works from the late David and Carmen Kreeger’s personal collection of Impressionist and American art constitute the offerings at this private, nonprofit museum. To mark its 50th anniversary, the museum is mounting the exhibition “Re-Vision,” which reflects on architect Philip Johnson’s design for the museum’s building. A selection of artists have created new works that respond to his achievement. March 10 to July 29, 2401 Foxhall Road NW, 202-337-3050, ext. 310; kreegermuseum.org

HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM & GARDENS

The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post features both a museum and 25 acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces. The current exhibition, “Four Seasons,” is the first to feature art in the estate’s celebrated gardens. Sculptor Philip Haas has used fiberglass fruits, vegetables, and plant life to create four larger-than-life busts that represent spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Through March 31, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, 202-6865807; hillwoodmuseum.org

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The country’s official art museum, made possible by a gift from Andrew W. Mellon, is home to thousands of works of art, produced from the Renaissance to the present day. The gallery has plenty of special exhibitions to choose from this season, but we are most excited about the photography exhibit “Process and Participation in the Work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.” It’s a crucial document of this pair’s captivating, large-scale public art projects, which, by their very nature, are always temporary. Note: This exhibition is not open on weekends. February 6 to April 14, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW, 202-737-4215; nga.gov

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This institution finds ever ingenious ways to spotlight female artists of different nationalities and periods. In the exhibition “Border Crossing” (February 17 to May 14), Jami Porter Lara’s stunning sculptures turn humble plastic bottles—ubiquitous yet disregarded cultural artifacts—into works of art. The exhibition “New Ground” brings together the works of potter Maria Martinez (ca. 1887– 1980) and photographer Laura Gilpin (1891–1979), who helped shape the aesthetic of the Southwest in the last century. 1250 New York Ave. NW, 202-783-5000; nmwa.org

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

This Smithsonian gallery is dedicated to portraits of people who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. The museum just opened a specially dedicated space for children (aged 18 months to 8 years old) to experiment with the idea of portraiture. Eighth Street NW and F Street NW, 202-633-1000; npg.si.edu

NEWSEUM

This interactive museum of news and journalism contains 15 galleries and 15 theaters. The exhibition “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power, and Politics” looks at music as a way of promoting patriotism, peace, and protest, with specific examples from the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War and from artists such as Bob Dylan, U2, and Rage Against the Machine. Through July 31, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-2926100; newseum.org

THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION

This modern-art museum—housed in the stately Georgian Revival home of the late Duncan and Marjorie Phillips—showcases works by Renoir, Rothko, van Gogh, and O’Keeffe in an intimate setting. A new exhibition celebrates Henri de ToulouseLautrec’s (1864–1901) iconic scenes of Parisian nightlife during the Belle Époque. With nearly 100 lithographs and posters, there should be plenty of examples of women doing the cancan with petticoats flying. February 4 to April 30, 1600 21st St. NW, 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org