The Samsung Foundation of Culture, established in 1965 by the company’s founding chairman, Byung-Chull Lee, is a passionate patron of the arts. The foundation oversees Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art; Ho-Am Art Museum; Rodin Gallery; Samsung Children’s Museum; and supports other cultural and artistic activities as well as academic research.

Our role is to preserve and promote the brilliant achievements of traditional Korean art, while supporting emerging and established artists in all media and enriching the country’s cultural landscape through the finest art exhibitions, performances, cinema and literature. The late Founding Chairman Byung-Chull Lee, dismayed by what he felt was a drain of important cultural artifacts from Korea and a lack of appreciation for our artistic heritage, began collecting traditional art in the 1930s. Eventually, his collection became the seeds of Samsung’s multiple museums. Chairman Kun-hee Lee and Ra Hee Hong Lee, Director General of the Samsung Museum of Art, have continued and expanded upon these auspicious beginnings by bolstering the collection with not only cultural artifacts and artwork from modern and contemporary Korean artists, but also with important work by artists of global renown. This significant collection offers a breathtaking overview of art history and of international developments in contemporary art and continues to grow richer and deeper every year. Through endeavors that introduce major schools and trends of Korean art alongside important works of contemporary art from abroad, the Samsung Museums have been at the vanguard in encouraging Korean arts development.

In 2004, the Foundation opened Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, in central Seoul. Three of the world’s most renowned architects designed the unique buildings that make up the arts complex: Mario Botta’s terra cotta structure for traditional Korean art; Jean Nouvel’s rusted stainless steel museum for contemporary art; and Rem Koolhaas’s black concrete and glass building for Samsung Child Education & Culture Center. The Samsung Children’s Museum, which opened its doors in 1995, is a leader in the cultural education and development of children, providing outstanding exhibitions, programs and “hands-on” experience.The first of its kind in Korea, the Samsung Children’s Museum lets young people have fun while exploring the world. Institutions such as Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, the Ho-Am Art Museum and the Rodin Gallery provide not only exhibition space, but a vibrant, dynamic cultural forum open to anyone. We also sponsor programs for children, performing artists and others to encourage the creative forces in our society.

The Samsung Foundation of Culture decidedly does not limit itself to visual art, but serves all of the Muses. Our commitment to all art forms remains true to our mission to broaden our artistic horizons, strengthen our cultural capabilities and enrich our lives.