Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art
Bihyeon (비현), Yi Myeonggi (이명기), Park Rehyun (박래현), Kim Whanki (김환기), Minhui (민희), Kim Kichang (김기창), Paik Namsoon (백남순)
Art Institute of Chicago
230 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60603
Mon 11–5, Tue Closed, Wed 11–5, Thu 11–8, Fri–Sun 11–5
Admission
Free Admission
Exhibitions are free with museum admission.
About
From 6th-century gilt bronze Buddhist sculpture through Joseon dynasty painting and white porcelain and contemporary paintings of the late 20th century, the works of art in this exhibition demonstrate the artistic legacy produced on the Korean peninsula over millennia. Once privately held, these artworks now belong to the Korean people thanks to a single groundbreaking gift from the family of Lee Kun-Hee, late chairman of Samsung Group. In 2021 the family donated over 23,000 works to the Korean government for public audiences to study and appreciate in perpetuity. Lee Kun-Hee and his father, Lee Byung-Chull, collected exceptional and storied objects from throughout Korean history as a means of preserving and celebrating the nation's cultural heritage. This exhibition marks the first time the works are on public display.