The Centre Pompidou, France’s world-renowned modern and contemporary art institution, is set to open its first official Korean branch this June at the iconic 63 Building in Yeouido, marking a major milestone in the global expansion of one of Europe’s cultural landmarks.

Under the name “Centre Pompidou Hanwha,” the Seoul outpost will occupy newly remodeled exhibition spaces within the 63 Building, providing Korean audiences with direct access to internationally significant works from the Pompidou’s celebrated collection. The inaugural exhibition, running from June through October, will focus on Cubism, featuring masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque alongside other influential figures associated with the movement.

The project stems from a partnership between the Centre Pompidou and the Hanwha Foundation of Culture, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Paris. Under the agreement, Hanwha will operate the Seoul venue and has secured rights to showcase curated Pompidou exhibitions for an initial four-year period.

The decision to bring Pompidou to Seoul reflects the institution’s broader strategy of international engagement. While the Paris flagship undergoes a multi-year renovation among its historic collections, the Seoul branch is positioned as a dynamic cultural platform introducing Western modernism and contemporary art to new audiences.

Cultural officials and arts professionals in Korea have greeted the announcement as a significant boost for the nation’s art scene. By situating a Pompidou-branded institution in one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks, the collaboration aims not only to elevate public access to canonical works but also to strengthen cultural ties between Korea and France.

Beyond its first exhibition, Centre Pompidou Hanwha plans a robust program of rotating exhibitions, educational initiatives, and special events designed to deepen public engagement with diverse artistic movements. The branch’s establishment continues a trend of major international museums expanding beyond their home cities, underscoring Seoul’s growing stature as a global cultural hub.

SayArt.net
Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com