Smithsonian Delays Korean Art Exhibition Due to Government Shutdown

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., has postponed the opening of the "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown. Originally scheduled to debut on November 8, 2025, the exhibition features over 200 works from the Lee Kun-hee Collection, marking its first presentation in the United States. The museum announced that the exhibition will commence once the institution reopens following the resolution of the government shutdown.

The "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea. It showcases a selection from the Lee Kun-hee Collection, which comprises over 23,000 works donated to the Republic of Korea in 2021 by the family of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee. This donation is considered one of the most significant in Korea's history, reflecting a profound commitment to preserving and sharing the nation's artistic legacy.

The exhibition spans 1,500 years of Korean art, featuring ancient Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, paintings, furnishings, and modern masterpieces from the 20th century. Highlights include Jeong Seon's "Clearing after Rain on Mount Inwang" (1751), the woodblock print volume "Worin seokbo" compiled in 1459 by King Sejo, and the 19th-century screen "Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks," historically displayed behind the Joseon royal throne.

The U.S. federal government shutdown has led to the temporary closure of major museums under the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Museum of Asian Art. This closure has disrupted the exhibition schedule, causing uncertainty for visitors and potentially affecting future tour dates. Following its Washington, D.C., debut, the exhibition is scheduled to travel to the Art Institute of Chicago (March 7–July 5, 2026) and later to the British Museum in London. Adjustments to these dates may be necessary depending on the duration of the shutdown.

Chase F. Robinson, director of the National Museum of Asian Art, communicated via email that "the museum is currently temporarily closed due to the federal government shutdown" and that "the exhibition will open once the museum officially reopens." He also noted, "To avoid confusion caused by the sudden schedule change, we have decided to postpone the preview originally scheduled for November 6."

The postponement of this significant exhibition underscores the broader impact of government shutdowns on cultural institutions and public access to art and history. The Lee Kun-hee Collection's debut in the U.S. represents a milestone in cultural exchange between Korea and the United States, and its delay may affect diplomatic and cultural relations. Additionally, the exhibition offers an opportunity for American audiences to engage with Korea's rich artistic heritage, and its postponement may disappoint those eager to experience these treasures firsthand.

In conclusion, the postponement of the "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition highlights the vulnerability of cultural institutions to political events and emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing cultural heritage through international collaboration.