Arts of Korea
A new permanent gallery of Korean art at the Art Institute of Chicago, presenting works from across 2,000 years of history with expanded conservation-grade exhibition space.
This project is the renovation of an existing gallery into a new dedicated space for the arts of Korea at the Art Institute of Chicago. The project goals were to transform a small space into a poetic and immersive experience for the museum’s significant Korean art collection. The work included design and coordination of new conservation-grade casework as well as the renovation of the space, including finishes, fixtures, and lighting, as well as strategic removal of non-historic trim and architectural features.
The arts of Korea collection at the museum comprises approximately 300 works spanning 2,000 years from the Three Kingdoms until today. Some of these works have never been exhibited previously, but with the expanded gallery, upgraded display cases, and innovative lighting, there will be a rotation of 60 objects on view at any given time, allowing visitors to see more of this collection than ever before.
Throughout the new gallery space, six themes introduce Korea’s long and rich history as well as its religious, political, and material cultures. The first section introduces objects that were made to help understand and spread the teachings of the Buddha. The centerpiece, an 18th-century Buddha statue, is on view for the first time in more than 100 years after extensive conservation treatment. The new installation also includes select contemporary works that meaningfully engage with traditional forms and materials.
To mark the gallery’s opening, the space presented a special viewing of two stunning gold objects—a crown and a pendant as well as a belt from the Silla kingdom period (about 57 BCE–676 CE). These objects have been designated as Treasures by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea and are on loan from the National Museum of Korea through early February 2025. The installation is curated by Yeonsoo Chee, associate curator of Korean art, Arts of Asia.
News & Recognition
Chicago Sun Times
“Art Institute of Chicago opens its first gallery devoted solely to Korean art”
Info
Location: Chicago, IL
Client: Art Institute of Chicago
Progress/Year: Completed, 2024
Team
Builder: Trellis Group
Lighting Consultant: TM Light
Cases: Goppion Technology
Photography: Daniel Kelleghan Photography
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