Museum Day: Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

We called this in our itinerary as Museum day, since we are visiting 3 museums which includes Korea National Museum and War Memorial Museum. Some may find this boring, but I don't (sometimes). Visiting museums is like reading history so I kinda like it especially the War Memorial Musuem. 

BTW, on our way to the museum we asked a lady for directions, she smiled wide and was happy to know that some people still find time to visit museums. And she gladly walked with us to the Samsung Museum where she works. Admit it, most tourist in Korea usually visits places which they have seen on dramas and promoted by artists. [like me ^^,)]

First stop is Lee Samsung Museum of Art.

I was curious if the museum are all about Samsung phones or other gadgets. Knowing they are famous for that kind of stuff. But it's not. It's a Korean and International exhibition center of Arts and Culture.  They have Permanent Exhibits which includes White Porcelain Wares, Metals, Paintings and Calligraphy and Temporary exhibits. And I have found out that their buildings was designed by these 3 famous architects: Mario Botta,  Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas. How cool it was for me, visiting the works of this famous architects whom I can only read in books and internet. Very fulfilling. And hmmm I wonder how much this buildings cost.

Museum 1: By Mario Botta

Museum 1 is designed by Swiss Architect Mario Botta. It has a geometric shaped with terra cotta bricks external facade. So sad didn't captured a bigger closer image of his work. Can't remember why. Hope I can still go back and take another photo. Inside the museum is the Rotunda (photo below). It is a naturally lighted spiral staircase where it connects the exhibition rooms. The plan for me is amazing. 

Rotunda 

Spiral Staircase from Basement to Upper Floors Exhibition Rooms

Museum 2: By Architect Jean Nouvel

Samsung Child Education & Culture Center by Rem Koolhaas

Main Entrance

The Leeum Museum main entrance is the Samsung Child Education and Culture Center. This building and the outdoor  garden where the sculptures are displayed is designed by Dutch Architect Rem Koolhaas. This is the main entrance that connects Museum 1 & 2 and it also leads the way to the Outdoor Deck Garden ahich is also an exhibit area for big sculptures. It has ramp that is convenient for senior citizens and handicaps. So everyone can enjoy the place.
The wood finish at the entrance and the natural lighting from the glass facade gives the place a different aura from a typical museum which is a bit dark and boring look. Evrything feels natural.

Here are some photos of the sculptures and arts displayed and other interesting features of the museum. The mirror like stainless steel sculptures is entitled Vertigo was part of their temporary exhibit last November 2012 which was designed by Anish Kapoor.

Upside Down Reflection. 

Tall Tree & the Eye Stainless Steel

Temporary Exhibition: VertigoV & VII by Anish Kapoor

Upside down Reflection

Exhibit Lobby

Cute Sculpture at the Lobby

Spiral Staircase, I really like this Stair.

Opening Hours: 10:30am - 18:00pm

Closed on: Mondays, January 1st & Chuseok Holidays

Directions: Hangangjin Station Exit 1 ---> Walk Straight Towards Itaewon ---> Turn Right at First Alley ---> Walk up the hill for 5mins.

For more info visit their website: Leeum Samsung