Korean Art Exhibition Postponed Due to U.S. Government Shutdown

The highly anticipated exhibition "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared," featuring over 200 works from the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee's collection, has been indefinitely postponed due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. The exhibition was scheduled to open at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) on November 8, 2025.

The "Korean Treasures" exhibition marks the first international showcase of 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 collection spans 1,500 years of Korean art, including ancient Buddhist sculptures, Joseon dynasty furnishings, ceramics, paintings, and modern 20th-century masterpieces. The exhibition was organized collaboratively by the NMAA, the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea.

The exhibition was set to feature over 200 works, including 12 National Treasures designated by the Korean government. 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 presentation is organized thematically across ten galleries, beginning and ending with displays inspired by "chaekgado"—19th-century painted screens depicting books and scholarly objects that reflect Korea’s collecting traditions.

The U.S. federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has led to the temporary closure of the Smithsonian Institution, including the NMAA. As a result, the opening of the "Korean Treasures" exhibition has been postponed indefinitely until the museum reopens. This delay affects not only the NMAA but also other major museums under the Smithsonian Institution, disrupting planned exhibitions and events.

Chase F. Robinson, director of the NMAA, stated that the museum is temporarily closed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and that the exhibition will open once the museum officially reopens. He also mentioned that to avoid confusion caused by the sudden schedule change, the preview originally scheduled for November 6 has been postponed.

Following its premiere in Washington, D.C., 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. Each institution will present a distinct interpretation of the collection. However, with the postponement of the opening at the NMAA, the exhibition period is expected to be shortened, and adjustments to the schedule may be necessary to accommodate the subsequent venues.

The postponement of the "Korean Treasures" exhibition due to the government shutdown highlights the vulnerability of cultural institutions to political and economic disruptions. This delay not only affects the museum's schedule but also impacts international cultural exchange and the opportunity for the American public to engage with Korean art and heritage. The exhibition represents a significant cultural event, and its postponement underscores the broader consequences of governmental decisions on the arts and cultural sectors.

In conclusion, the postponement of the "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared" exhibition due to the U.S. federal government shutdown serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between politics and cultural endeavors. The exhibition's eventual opening will be eagerly anticipated, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Korean art and heritage.