Leslie Darling Executive Vice President and General Counsel | Art Institute of Chicago
Leslie Darling Executive Vice President and General Counsel | Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is set to open a newly designed gallery dedicated to the arts of Korea on November 1, 2024. This marks the first time the museum has allocated a fully dedicated space for Korean art, offering an opportunity to display more of its extensive collection.
The Korean art collection at the museum includes around 300 works spanning 2,000 years, from the Three Kingdoms period to contemporary times. The new gallery will feature upgraded display cases and innovative lighting, allowing for a rotation of 60 objects at any given time. This setup enables visitors to view more pieces than previously possible.
“This is an exciting opportunity to broaden and enhance the presentation of Korean art here in Chicago,” said Yeonsoo Chee, Associate Curator of Korean Art at the Art Institute of Chicago. “Visitors will be able to experience objects they may not be familiar with or have never been on view before, and the thematic presentations will help visitors better engage with the collection and understand this beautiful culture.”
The gallery's design introduces six themes that explore Korea’s history and its religious, political, and material cultures. Among these themes is a section featuring objects related to Buddhism, highlighted by an 18th-century Buddha statue displayed for the first time in over a century following conservation work. Another section focuses on celadon and tea culture from the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Additional sections examine how material culture evolved during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), showcasing items like buncheong stoneware and white porcelain. Contemporary works that engage with traditional forms are also included.
To celebrate the opening, two gold objects—a crown and pendant along with a belt from the Silla kingdom period (about 57 BCE –676 BCE)—are being exhibited. These items are designated as Treasures by Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration and are on loan from the National Museum of Korea until early February 2025.
Yeonsoo Chee curated this installation as part of her role as associate curator of Korean art within Arts of Asia.
Funding for this new gallery was generously provided by the National Museum of Korea.
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