Chungmu Arts Center, operated by the Jung-gu Cultural Foundation, is marking its 20th anniversary with major facility renovations and an extensive lineup of performances and exhibitions. The center aims to enhance audience experiences with state-of-the-art upgrades while presenting highly anticipated productions, including world premieres and acclaimed international works.
Jung-gu Cultural Foundation President Cho Se Hyun emphasized that the 20th anniversary is not just a time for reflection but a pivotal year to shape the next two decades. He stated, "With newly upgraded performance spaces and a high-caliber lineup, we aim to provide audiences with even richer cultural and artistic experiences."
As part of the facility renovations, Chungmu Arts Center will undergo its first full-scale refurbishment since its opening. The Grand Theater and Middle Theater Black will be updated to improve visibility and spatial efficiency, enhancing audience immersion. Small Theater Blue will be transformed into a dedicated cinema space, equipped with the latest projection technology and improved seating for an optimal viewing experience. Gallery Sindang, which expanded last year from 75 to 300 pyeong (approximately 1,000 square meters), continues to host high-profile exhibitions, including CCPP (Climate Change Photo Project).
The 20th-anniversary performance lineup features a diverse selection of musicals and plays, including world and domestic premieres. The Broadway hit "Memphis" will return after two years, running from June to September at the Grand Theater. The musical tells the story of a white DJ and a Black singer in 1950s Memphis, portraying the impact of rock ‘n’ roll in an era of racial segregation.
The world premiere of "The Man in Hanbok" will debut at the Grand Theater in November, running until March 2026. Based on Lee Sang Hoon’s novel, the musical explores the life and mysterious death of Jang Yeong Sil, the genius scientist of the Joseon Dynasty.
The Middle Theater Black will feature seasoned and fresh productions alike. The fourth season of "Kill Me Now" will run from June to August, telling the deeply moving story of a father who devotes his life to caring for his disabled son, who, in turn, struggles with his growing independence. The Korean premiere of "Prima Facie", running from August to November, follows a top lawyer whose life takes an unexpected turn after becoming a victim of sexual violence. Additionally, the award-winning original musical "Behind the Moon," which won the 2023 Chungmu Arts Center’s NEXT Creative Musical Award, will premiere in November and run until February 2026, shedding light on the untold story of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins.
The exhibition lineup also offers a mix of contemporary and socially relevant themes. The "Icons of Urban Art" exhibition, featuring Banksy, KAWS, JR, Shepard Fairey, and other renowned urban artists, has been extended until March 2 at Gallery Sindang. Later in the year, the "CCPP Climate Change Photo Project" will return from April to July, showcasing works by four internationally acclaimed photographers, focusing on coexistence between humanity and nature.
Additional exhibitions in the second half of the year will explore portraits and the philosophical themes behind iconic characters that have transcended time, offering fresh perspectives on well-known figures.
With an ambitious vision for the future, Chungmu Arts Center’s 20th-anniversary celebration promises world-class productions, cutting-edge facilities, and thought-provoking exhibitions, reinforcing its status as a premier cultural hub in Korea.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
