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A 6th-century image of the Buddha covered in narrative scenes and images has been a part of the Freer Gallery of Art’s collection since 1923 and featured in many exhibitions over the course of nearly a century. With the Freer closed for renovations until 2017, much of its Chinese Buddhist sculpture collection will be off view, but the so-called Cosmic Buddha is getting an exhibition of its very own. Every inch of the headless sculpture, which represents the Buddhist concept of emptiness, has been digitized since 2011, allowing researchers to understand the intricate details carved into its surface. Now the general public can closely examine it as well; from ink rubbings to a flat map of the sculpture’s surface, visitors will be able to closely examine its messages clearly for the first time. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. Free. (202) 633-4880. asia.si.edu. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
This month is all about chili at Hill Country Barbecue Market. Today through Feb. 29, the restaurant will offer several kinds of chili, including the no-bean “bowl of red,” mole-style, and smoked chicken chili. Try a sampling of all three plus a Shiner Bock beer for a total of $12. Diners can also add chili to any dish on Hill Country’s menu—from brisket to mac and cheese—for an extra $2. If you think your own chili is superior, enter it in Hill Country’s chili cook-off on Feb. 27. More info here. Hill Country Barbecue Market, 410 7th St. NW. (202) 556-2050. hillcountry.com/dc. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Signature Theatre presents a reading of Heather McDonald‘s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, about three people brought to blows by the restoration of a painting, as part of its Monday Night New Play Readings initiative. 7 p.m. at 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Free.
Experimental musician Valerie Keuhne performs an intimate show with her band, The Wasps Nests, at Galaxy Hut. She’s joined by members of the Lost Civilizations experimental music project. 9 p.m. at 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $5.
British arena rock band Muse brings its Drones world tour to Verizon Center with opening act X Ambassadors. 7:30 p.m. at 601 F St. NW. $57.50–$77.50.
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