From the Botero Retrospective to Young and Disabled Artists... Seoul Arts Center 2026 Exhibitions

Expansion of Botero Retrospective and Exhibitions for Young and Disabled Artists
Hangaram Art Museum to Undergo Remodeling

The Seoul Arts Center will expand the landscape of the arts in 2026 by strengthening its audience-centered public role and social value through its exhibition programs. The center plans to broaden cultural enjoyment opportunities for diverse audiences by supporting young and disabled artists, hosting regionally connected exhibitions, and introducing global artists. Additionally, it will explore the possibilities of calligraphy as a contemporary art form.

Exterior view of the Seoul Arts Center. Provided by Seoul Arts Center

Currently, the Hangaram Design Museum at the Seoul Arts Center is hosting the "Orangerie-Orsay Museum Special Exhibition: C?zanne, Renoir" to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. The exhibition, which has been well received by visitors, runs until January 25. At the Calligraphy Museum, the interactive exhibition "Naemamssoq: The Thousand Character Classic for All" is gaining popularity, especially among family visitors, and will continue until March 22.

Among the major exhibitions planned for 2026, the "Fernando Botero Retrospective," held from April 24 to August 30 at the Hangaram Design Museum, stands out. This exhibition will feature over 110 works, including oil paintings, drawings, and sculptures, offering a comprehensive look at Botero's artistic world, marked by voluptuous human forms, humor, and social insight.

At the Calligraphy Museum in June, the "Calligraphy Museum Collection Special Exhibition" will showcase works by leading figures in modern and contemporary Korean calligraphy and painting, such as Ahn Jung-sik, Kim Eung-won, Kim Yong-jin, and Lee Ha-eung. In July, the "Ewan - Contemporary Artist Project 2" will present works that expand traditional calligraphy into the realm of contemporary visual art.

Exhibitions embracing young artists and those from diverse backgrounds will also continue. In May, the "Young Art Shop Art Fair" will spotlight emerging artists, while in June, the fifth "Seoripul Young Artists Special Exhibition," in collaboration with Seocho District, will take place. In October, the "Disability Arts Exhibition," co-hosted with the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, will highlight the creative activities of artists with disabilities in the field of visual arts.

Meanwhile, the Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center will undergo a complete remodeling throughout 2026 to improve the visitor environment. The renovations will include the installation of eco-friendly fire safety systems and the expansion of visitor convenience areas, enhancing accessibility and safety. The exhibition space will be reorganized to be audience-centered, taking into account the needs of children, seniors, and visitors with disabilities.