The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) inaugurated its new KAIST Art Museum on December 17 at its main campus in Daejeon. The establishment of this museum was made possible through a donation by the late Moon-sul Chung, founder of Mirae Corporation, who envisioned a space where science and art could converge.
The newly completed facility, located behind the Academic Cultural Complex, spans 2,600 square meters and comprises three floors. The museum houses three distinct exhibition halls: the first-floor Jung Moon Sul Hall (Gallery 1), the second-floor Open Storage Hall (Gallery 2), and the Media Hall (Gallery 3). These spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of experimental and contemporary artworks, emphasizing the integration of technology and creative expression.
Among the notable pieces featured at the museum are 41 works, including Tribute to Dean Winkler (1995), a significant video art piece by the late Nam June Paik, a globally renowned media artist. Paik's contribution underscores the museum's mission to explore the intersection between science and contemporary art.
To mark the opening, KAIST has also organized a special permanent exhibition at the Faculty Hall Lobby, showcasing works by Lee Seung Taek, a pioneer of Korean experimental art. Lee, who has garnered international acclaim through exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and the Venice Biennale, is known for his multidisciplinary approach spanning installation, sculpture, painting, photography, land art, and performance art. His works, which defy traditional artistic boundaries, have been recognized globally, with pieces housed in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Guggenheim, and Tate Modern.
The exhibition features 33 of Lee’s representative works, including Earth Play, which highlights his signature style of engaging with nature and materiality. This notable donation further solidifies Lee’s association with KAIST, where he has been appointed as an honorary visiting professor in the physics department, bridging the realms of science and art.
Seok Hyun Jung, the director of the KAIST Art Museum, emphasized the museum's commitment to showcasing experimental and innovative works that fuse art and technology. “We aim to provide a platform where science and culture intersect, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration,” she stated.
The KAIST Art Museum’s opening signals a significant step in promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, reflecting a growing global trend of integrating scientific inquiry with artistic innovation. It serves as both a cultural hub for the university and a landmark that underscores the potential of combining diverse fields to inspire new ideas.
Through exhibitions featuring groundbreaking artists such as Nam June Paik and Lee Seung Taek, KAIST not only honors the legacy of experimental art but also paves the way for future collaborations between scientists, artists, and technologists. The museum will continue to curate dynamic exhibitions that reflect its unique mission, positioning itself as a pioneer in the convergence of technology and art.
The newly unveiled KAIST Art Museum promises to be a vital space for creative experimentation, offering visitors an immersive experience that encourages critical reflection on the evolving relationships between science, technology, and artistic expression.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
