An extraordinary exhibition showcasing one of South Korea’s most important private art collections is on display in Washington, D.C., through the end of January 2026. Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art marks the first time many works from the late Lee Kun-hee’s collection have been shown outside Korea. (Artribune)
Lee Kun-hee, who passed away in 2020, was best known as the long-time chairman of Samsung — the company that became a global technology powerhouse under his leadership — but he was also one of the world’s most dedicated art collectors. In 2021, his family honored his wishes by donating his entire collection of more than 23,000 artworks and artifacts to the nation of South Korea. (Artribune)
The Washington exhibition presents over 200 selections from this vast assemblage, tracing 1,500 years of Korean visual culture — from ancient Buddhist sculptures and royal court pieces to ceramics, paintings, and modern works. Many of these items are being seen by U.S. audiences for the first time. In addition to Korean works, the show includes a selection of Western art, with pieces by artists such as Gauguin, Renoir, Miró, and Dalí. (Artribune)
Curators have organized the show to illuminate how styles, belief systems, and artistic techniques evolved across centuries, bringing Korea’s rich artistic history into sharp focus. The exhibition also reflects broader cultural ambitions: it exemplifies a diplomatic effort spanning three years to present Korean cultural heritage on an international stage. (Artribune)
Lee and his wife Hong Ra-hee were recognized among the ARTnews list of the world’s top collectors before his death, underscoring both the breadth and quality of the collection. (Artribune)
The exhibition in Washington is just the beginning of an international tour. Following its U.S. opening, the show will travel to the Art Institute of Chicago and later to the British Museum in London, bringing Korean art to major global audiences. (Samsung Global Newsroom)
This landmark presentation not only celebrates a remarkable private collection but also elevates Korean artistic heritage on the world stage — inviting visitors to explore the depth and diversity of Korea’s cultural legacy. (Artribune)
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