The Korea Gallery (National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C., U.S.A.)

The Korea Gallery

 

The Korea Gallery, a 10-year exhibition (June 8, 2007 to July 5, 2017), is a special showcase of 85 objects at the second floor North Corridor of the National Museum of Natural History.  It celebrates Korean traditions, distinctive art, culture and 2,600-year history and examines its unique influence and complex role in the world today.  It expresses the continuity of the past by highlighting enduring features of Korean culture that have influence and resonance today.

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Contemporary Korean Art

To communicate and connect to both the local Korean community and an international audience, the exhibit, designed by Reich + Petch, uses the Smithsonian ceramics collection as well as a rich selection of photographs, ceramics, stone and wooden sculptures, textiles, paintings, ritual objects and traditional Korean carpentry and furniture.

The exhibition is divided into the following thematic sections:

• Korean Ceramics: A Tradition of Excellence
• Honoring Family
• The Korean Wedding
• Hangeul: Symbol of Pride, exploring Korean calligraphy and the Korean writing system
• Landscapes of Korea, exploring the country's natural history and built landscape
• Korea Beyond Borders, exploring the cultural identity of Koreans and their descendants living around the world
• Contemporary Korean Art, illustrating that modern Korea finds inspiration in the rich traditions of its past

Honoring Family

Traditional art forms, such as ceramics and calligraphy, along with mythological figures, language, large feature photographs and illustrations speak to a range of shared historical memories that connect Koreans at home and abroad.

The Korean Wedding

Personal stories of modern Koreans, as told in their own voices, provide a context to discuss some of the many issues that face the divided country today.

Landscapes of Korea

Korea's incredible transformation from 'The Hermit Kingdom' to a world power is traced through its impact on the arts, the economy and popular culture.

Korea Gallery: 2/F North Corridor, National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, National Mall, Washington, D.C. 20560, United States. Open daily (except December 25), 10 AM – 5:30 PM. Admission is free.