Seoul's New Centre Pompidou Hanwha Opens with a Bold Artistic Vision
Seoul will soon welcome a major new cultural landmark with the opening of Centre Pompidou Hanwha. The museum, the first Korean branch of France's renowned Centre Pompidou, is set to launch on June 4, 2023. Its arrival marks a fresh chapter for international art exchange in the city, with a focus on modern and contemporary works from the Parisian institution's collection. The museum takes over the former annex of the 63 Building, a space once home to an aquarium. Architects have transformed it into a striking venue with a 'box of light' design, featuring a semi-transparent double-glass facade. Inside, two expansive exhibition halls—each spanning 1,653 square metres—will host rotating displays drawn from the Centre Pompidou's vast holdings.
The inaugural show, *Cubists: Pioneers of Vision*, will showcase pieces by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Fernand Léger. Over the next four years, the museum plans two major exhibitions annually, covering movements like Fauvism, Surrealism, and abstract art. Works by Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, and Henri Matisse are also slated for future displays. A dedicated 'Korea Focus' section will explore the influence of Paris on early Korean modern art, as well as the legacy of Cubism in the country. Laurent Le Bon, president of Centre Pompidou, called the opening a landmark moment for the institution. While no prior collaborations with local Korean art bodies have been publicly detailed, the new venue aims to bridge European and Korean artistic traditions.
Centre Pompidou Hanwha will begin operations with a strong lineup of modernist exhibitions. The museum's programming and architectural design reflect its ambition to become a key destination for art lovers in Seoul. Visitors can expect a mix of iconic European works and fresh perspectives on Korea's artistic connections to Paris.
