Work by Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Coming to Washington/ENG

A work by provocative Chinese sculptor Ai Weiwei will go on display at a museum in Washington.

The Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery said on Tuesday that it will display Ai's installation piece ``Fragments,'' a huge work in ironwood with pieces from the dismantled temples of the Qing Dynasty.  The piece has never been shown in the United States before and will be exhibited for about a year.

Ai was detained for three months last year in China for speaking against the government.  

Under terms of his bail, the artist is prohibited from leaving Beijing until June, so he is unlikely to see the Washington exhibit in person.

The Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum also plans to open a companion exhibit later this year.

The Sackler Gallery said both exhibitions will be accompanied by a full schedule of public programs with details coming up soon.