Smithsonian Postpones 'Korean Treasures' Exhibition Amid U.S. Federal Shutdown

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) has announced the postponement of its highly anticipated exhibition, "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared," due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown. Originally scheduled to open on November 8, 2025, the exhibition's debut is now delayed indefinitely until the museum reopens.

This landmark exhibition marks the first U.S. presentation of the Lee Kun-Hee Collection, a vast assemblage of over 23,000 artworks donated to South Korea in 2021 by the family of the late Samsung chairman, Lee Kun-Hee. The collection encompasses pieces from the early Bronze Age to the modern era, including 60 national treasures.

The NMAA's exhibition was set to feature over 200 works spanning 1,500 years of Korean art. 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 federal government shutdown has led to the temporary closure of Smithsonian museums, including the NMAA. Chase F. Robinson, director of the NMAA, informed the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) via email that "the museum is currently temporarily closed due to the federal government shutdown" and added, "The exhibition will open once the museum officially reopens."

The postponement has also affected planned preview events. The museum stated, "To avoid confusion caused by the sudden schedule change, we have decided to postpone the preview originally scheduled for November 6."

The exhibition is part of an international tour, with subsequent stops planned at the Art Institute of Chicago (March 7–July 5, 2026) and the British Museum in London. Each institution will present a distinct interpretation of the collection.

The delay underscores the broader impact of government shutdowns on cultural institutions and international collaborations. As the situation develops, stakeholders and the public await further updates on the exhibition's rescheduling and the reopening of the National Museum of Asian Art.