Korean Treasures Exhibition Draws Record Crowds in Washington

Samsung-backed showcase of late chairman's art collection a hit at Smithsonian

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition, featuring over 200 masterpieces from the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee's personal art collection, has drawn over 65,000 visitors at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, co-organized by Samsung Electronics, the National Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, is the first U.S. showcase of this renowned collection and has been hailed as a major cultural event elevating Korean artistic heritage.

Why it matters

The record-breaking attendance for this exhibition underscores the profound global interest in Korean culture and the lasting impact of the Lee family's efforts to preserve and share Korea's artistic legacy. The exhibition serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring U.S.-Korea alliance, built on shared values and cultural ties beyond just economic partnerships.

The details

The exhibition features over 200 pieces spanning 1,500 years of Korean history, including national treasures like the Faceted Bottle with Bamboo, The Lotus Sutra, and Bodhisattva Triad with a Single Halo. Standout works include the 19th-century Drum Stand resembling the "Derpy" character and the royal court painting Sun, Moon and Five Peaks. Curators from the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, participated in organizing the showcase.

  • The exhibition opened to the public on November 15, 2026 and will run through February 1, 2027.
  • The gala event commemorating the exhibition's success was held on January 28, 2027.

The players

Samsung Electronics

The tech giant that partnered with the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art to host the "Korean Treasures" exhibition.

Lee Kun-hee

The late chairman of Samsung whose personal art collection of over 23,000 pieces was the source of the works featured in the exhibition.

Jay Y. Lee

The executive chairman of Samsung Electronics who thanked the organizers and honored American veterans of the Korean War at the gala event.

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

The museum that hosted the record-breaking "Korean Treasures" exhibition, the first U.S. showcase of the Lee Kun-hee collection.

National Museum of Korea

One of the co-organizers of the exhibition, along with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea.

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What they’re saying

“Memory and history are important to Koreans. That is part of why this exhibit means so much to me. Despite the hardships of colonial rule and the Korean War, my father and grandfather believed it was their duty to safeguard the future of our culture. It was a tremendous honor to share this collection with you. I believe it's our small contribution to bringing the American and Korean people closer together.”

— Jay Y. Lee, Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics (Instagram)

“This art exhibit is a powerful reminder that the enduring U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance is built not only on economic ties, but through the stories and shared values that connect us. Samsung's investment in America represents confidence in our workers and a commitment to advancing opportunity and prosperity for both nations.”

— Tim Scott, U.S. Senator (R-SC) (Samsung Gala)

What’s next

Following the conclusion of the exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art, the collection will travel to the Art Institute of Chicago from March through July 2027 and then to the British Museum in London from September 2027 through January 2028.

The takeaway

This record-breaking exhibition has elevated awareness and appreciation for Korea's rich cultural heritage on the global stage, forging deeper connections between the U.S. and Korea through shared artistic and historical legacies. Samsung's efforts to preserve and share the Lee family's art collection have left a lasting impact, inspiring more people to explore and celebrate Korea's cultural treasures.