Korean Art Treasures from Late Samsung Chairman's Collection Debut in US Exhibition
A significant collection of Korean art, amassed by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee, is now on public display in the United States for the first time. The exhibition, titled Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, and Shared, is being hosted at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC.
A Historic Collection on American Soil
The exhibition features more than 200 works spanning over 1,500 years of Korean history. This marks the inaugural US presentation of these pieces, which include items designated as National Treasures. The collection represents a lifetime of curation by Lee Kun-Hee, who was known as a passionate and discerning art collector with a particular focus on Korean historical artifacts. The display is organized across ten galleries, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through Korean artistic heritage.
Exhibition Details and Collaborative Effort
The exhibition is scheduled to run through February 1, 2026, providing an extended opportunity for the public to view these masterpieces. The showcase has been made possible through a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Samsung. The works on display include a diverse range of artifacts, from ancient Buddhist sculptures to historical furnishings that exemplify traditional craftsmanship and aesthetic principles.
The Legacy of the Lee Kun-Hee Collection
The Lee Kun-Hee Collection is widely regarded as one of the most definitive private assemblages of Korean art and historical objects. Assembled meticulously over several decades, the collection's significance extends beyond its artistic value. In a notable act of cultural philanthropy, over 23,000 works from this collection were donated to the Republic of Korea in 2021, ensuring public access and preservation. The current exhibition in Washington represents a further extension of this sharing of cultural heritage on an international stage.
Conclusion
The Korean Treasures exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art offers a rare and valuable opportunity to engage with a pivotal collection of Korean cultural history. By bringing these works to the United States, the exhibition fosters greater international appreciation for Korea's rich artistic legacy, a legacy carefully preserved and now shared from one of its most notable private collections.