Updated display reveals how museum collections are stored, transported and preserved behind the scenes

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea has reorganised its Open Storage space at MMCA Cheongju, presenting 175 works from its collection alongside the equipment used to store and transport them.

MMCA Cheongju opened in 2018 as Korea’s first storage-based museum. Unlike conventional exhibitions structured around a particular artist or theme, Open Storage allows visitors to enter an environment where artworks are kept and managed.

The 2026 reorganisation replaces works that had remained on long-term display with a new selection drawn from closed storage. The arrangement of the collection and accompanying information have also been revised to explain more clearly how museums preserve and care for artworks.

Visitors can move among sculptures and craft works while examining their materials, forms and storage methods at close range. The display includes works by Kim Sechoong, Choi Wook Kyung, Chun Kook Kwang, Ku Bonju and Yang Haegue.

Art transport crates have also been incorporated into the space. Some works are presented inside open crates in the condition in which they are stored, while additional crates are positioned beside other objects.

The arrangement shows stages of collection management that are generally hidden from public view. It also demonstrates that a museum’s work continues after an artwork has been acquired, encompassing transportation, environmental control, documentation and long-term preservation.

The reorganised Open Storage occupies the first floor of MMCA Cheongju and will remain on view through Dec. 31, 2028. Admission is free.

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Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com