Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Description:

• The theme of this museum is the past, present, and future of art and design. With this in mind, the museum is made up of three buildings, the first of which was designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta with traditional Korean porcelain as the motif. This building exhibits Buddhist art, Korean ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Its four stories cover everything from Korea's prehistory to the Joseon Dynasty.

  The second building, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, used progressive technology and modern materials in its construction. It exhibits contemporary art from Korean artists dating from 1910 to the present, as well as art from other countries dating from 1945. Its permanent collection includes works by such luminaries as Bacon, Rothko, Beuys, Warhol, Hurst, Barney, and Albers. The third building, which serves as the Child Education and Culture Center, was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.

  English-speaking docents are available for tours of the galleries and grounds at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours take about 90 minutes.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010