Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Goes Beyond Time & Space
- Establishes a milestone in the history of art and culture


You can get a glimpse into the history of art and culture at one place - Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, that opened recently to the public. Sited on the slope of Mt. Namsan and flanked by a vista of the Han River, the structures that comprise Leeum harmoniously blend the city, innovative architecture and a natural surrounding. In this space, the Korean and international public are able to participate in and enjoy a dialogue between traditional and modern art and Eastern and Western culture.
With exhibits of Korea's rich cultural heritage as well as leading-edge contemporary and modern works, this world-class museum complex features the past, present and future of art. For the first time in Korea, three internationally acclaimed architects have collaborated to build an arts and cultural complex. Museum 1, which houses the finest works of Korean traditional art, was designed by famed Swiss architect Mario Botta. French master Jean Nouvel is the architect behind Museum 2, the gallery for Korean and international modern art. Renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed Black Box, the Samsung Child Education & Culture Center, which serves as the entrance of Leeum and links the structures of this arts complex.
Museum 1 features more than 120 Korean traditional works of art from prehistoric era to the Joseon Dynasty (1395-1910). Art connoisseurs and the general public alike will marvel at the exquisite display of masterpieces including Ceramics and Pottery, Buddhist Paintings, Metal Wares, Traditional Paintings and Calligraphy. Highlights at Museum 1 are the Celadon Gourd-Shaped Ewer with Underglaze Copper-Red Lotus Design (National Treasure No. 133); a Goryeo Dynasty (937-1392) Miniature Pagoda (National Treasure No. 213); Amitabha Triad (National Treasure No. 218).
Museum 2 consists of masterpieces dating from 1910 when Western modern art was officially introduced to Korea. Featured in the collection are the works of Lee Sang-beom (Cheong-jeon) and Byun Kwan-sik (So-jeong). Both artists are known for developing a modern pictorial style while maintaining traditional Korean painting methods. Also among the highlights are the works of Lee Joong-sup, Park Soo-keun and Chang Uc-cin, who are celebrated for their assimilation of Western painting techniques to express a uniquely Korean ethos. In addition, the collection introduces internationally acclaimed Korean artists from overseas, including the works of Kim Whanki, Paik Nam June and Lee Ufan as well as a new generation of Korean artists including Seo Do-ho and Lee Bul.
The modern and contemporary collection of Leeum extends beyond national boundaries to embrace international art works with an emphasis on securing masterpieces of post 1945 contemporary art. The collection includes important works by internationally acclaimed post-war abstract artists: Mark Rothko, Donald Judd, Frank Stella and David Smith. With these collections, the best representations of the emerging international art scene can be viewed on permanent display in Korea.
Black Box, the Samsung Child Education & Culture Center is a unique and visually striking building that will hold a number of special exhibitions each year, including internationally-exchanged exhibitions. The first exhibition at Black Box that began on Oct. 19, 2004 will continue through April 9, 2005 to commemorate the new museum. This special exhibition, "Muse-Um : Companionship of Plurality," will explore the world of architectural language and art by the three architects of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is open to the general public every Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. All visitors are required to make reservations by phone.
The Museum is a nexus of culture, linking important cultural facilities nearby including the National Museum in Yongsan and the National Theater on Mt. Namsan. Dedicated to being the foremost museum in Korea to bridge the country's artistic heritage with its contemporary art practices, Leeum is an ever evolving and dynamic institution committed to establishing the finest permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in the country.
For more information, please visit www.leeum.org, available in English.


Samsung Foundation of Culture
Samsung Foundation of Culture was founded in 1965 and works to uncover, preserve and broaden the awareness of Korea's rich cultural heritage and its traditional and contemporary arts, by supporting a wide range of cultural and artistic activities and academic research. It manages the Ho-Am Art Museum, the Ho-Am Art Gallery, the Rodin Gallery, and the Samsung Children's Museum. nw