Samsung Chairman’s Legendary Art Collection Debuts in Washington, D.S.

A major cultural exhibition has opened in the United States. It features masterpieces from the private collection of the late Samsung Chairman, Lee Kun-Hee. The display is at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. It will run for nearly two years.

This marks the first time these Korean treasures have been shown on American soil. The exhibition is a significant collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Samsung. It highlights a legacy beyond technology and business.

A Historic Gathering of Korean Masterpieces

The exhibition is titled “Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, and Shared.” It includes more than 200 individual works. These pieces span an incredible 1,500 years of Korean history and artistry.

Visitors can explore ten dedicated galleries. The displays range from ancient Buddhist sculptures to exquisite ceramics and fine furniture. According to the Smithsonian, several items are officially designated National Treasures of Korea. Their rarity and historical value are immense.

The collection reflects Lee Kun-Hee’s deep personal passion for art. He was known as a meticulous and discerning collector for decades. His focus often centered on preserving Korea’s artistic heritage. This public showing fulfills that mission of sharing culture.

A Corporate Legacy Transformed into Public Heritage

The exhibition’s impact extends beyond the museum walls. It stems from a historic 2021 donation by Lee’s family. They gave over 23,000 artworks from his collection to South Korean museums and institutions.

This donation was one of the largest of its kind in the country’s history. It permanently transformed a private corporate collection into a public national resource. The pieces now touring the U.S. are part of that shared cultural legacy.

For the public, it is a rare chance to see a unified vision of Korean beauty. The artworks tell a continuous story of craftsmanship and spirituality. They also illustrate how corporate leadership can contribute to global cultural dialogue.

This exhibition redefines the legacy of the Samsung Chairman. It moves from corporate boardrooms to the halls of a world-class museum. The “Samsung Chairman art collection” is now a gift for everyone to experience.

Info at your fingertips

When can I see the exhibition and where is it?

The exhibition is open now at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. It will be on display until February 1, 2026, giving visitors ample time to plan a visit.

What kind of art is in the Samsung Chairman’s collection?

The collection is focused on Korean art across centuries. It includes rare Buddhist sculptures, classic ceramics, painted screens, and finely crafted metalworks and furnishings that represent Korea’s artistic peaks.

How many artworks are on display?

There are over 200 individual works in the U.S. exhibition. This is a selection from the much larger collection of more than 23,000 pieces donated to South Korea by the Lee family in 2021.

Why is this exhibition significant?

It is the first major U.S. exhibition from this iconic private collection. It showcases Korea’s cultural history through a world-class lens and highlights a major corporate legacy turned public treasure.

Was Lee Kun-Hee known for his art collection?

Yes. The late Samsung Chairman was renowned as one of Korea’s most significant private art collectors. His lifelong passion was assembling a definitive collection of Korean masterpieces and historical artifacts.