Last Updated on November 7, 2014 by Nancie
I went into Seoul this past Friday to do a few things, and Thursday night I decided I needed a museum fix. I am a self-professed museum junky, and with Spain behind me, it had been at least two weeks since I had stepped foot in a museum of any kind. There is usually at least one major exhibit going on in Seoul this time of year, but all my Goggle searching brought up nothing. I had never been to the Leeum, a private museum funded by Samsung, so after some discussion with my friend we decided on an afternoon visit.
For some strange reason I forgot to get a photo of the building from the outside (and I liked it), but I did get this photo to the sculpture. Here we have a set of spiders sculpted by French artist Louise Bourgeois.
From the English brochure…
“Taking the form of a giant spider, the bronze sculpture Maman, which received worldwide attention upon its debut, represents secret fears the artist experienced as a child, and conjures up a powerful psychological fantasy.”
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What do you think?
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The lobby is very modern, and high tech; no surprise since the museum is owned by electronics giant Samsung…
There are even computers available to search for detailed information about individual items in the collection.
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Museum number 1 houses a fabulous collection of Korean traditional art. Many of the celedon pieces (glazed pottery) dates back to the 12th century and many of the pieces are considered national treasures. The celedon collection was my favorite. The Buddhist art is also not to be missed.
Photos are not permitted in the galleries. However, you can view photos of the collection a the museum’s website…
Museum number 2 houses both Korean and international art works. I didn’t find this collection to suit my taste in art. However, there were a few interesting pieces, and definitely worth the time to visit. I swear I saw Donald Duck in drag in one of the paintings!
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You can even purchase copies of some of those treasures in the lobby gift shop. You could easily “blow” your budget here; be warned!
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Although not on the same level as Spain’s Prado or Reina Sophia museums, a visit to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is worthy of an afternoon, and very affordable for budget travelers. Tickets to the permanent collection are 10,000KW (approx. $10.00 US).
We didn’t take the audio guide, but I noted that the rental price was around $2.00.
The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10:30am – 6:00pm.
The closest subway is station is Hangangin, Line 6. Come out at Exit 1, and walk a few minutes. You can’t miss the sign for the museum.
9 responses to “Hanging Out at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art — A Review”
We skipped this on my trip to Seoul and I wish I hadn’t…Guess it gives me a reason to go back:)
I love having reasons to go back to places!
Those spiders are so cool (and creepy!)
Aren’t they though!
I think you know from some of my past posts that I love museums too, Nancie, and so I’m delighted to see this post of yours on what looks like a very attractive venue. I love those spider sculptures, and the clean lines of the entrance area. Will keep a note of this one for the future.
Thank you, Andrew! If you are come into Seoul, do visit. The celedon collection is particularly outstanding.
Those spiders are creepy! I can totally imagine visiting on a bad weather day or in the evening when there is less light… like a horror movie!
Sabrina…you are so right! I am terrified of spiders, and these guys are creepy!
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