About

K&L Museum is a private art institution  opened in September 2023, presented solo exhibition of Austrian established artist, Hermann Nitsch.


Stemming from the foundation of SMK International, a conglomerate engaged in fashion exports, K&L Museum is a cultural endeavor that emerged as part of the broader initiative of El Olivo, a Spanish Restaurant, which opened its doors in 2013. Situated in the scenic location of Gwacheon, enveloped by the beauty of Umyeon Mountain, K&L Museum aims to present curated exhibitions by prominent contemporary artists from both domestic and international backgrounds. These exhibitions will encompass thematic collections, acquisitions, and various projects integrating music.


The annual collection exhibition will highlight works that reflect the artistic journey and passion for music of Kim Sungmin, CEO of SMK International and K&L Museum, as well as the artistic career of Kim Jinhyung, CEO of L.WAYV GALLERY.


K&L Museum values its role as a private art institution that positively impacts the art world by providing enjoyment of cultural and artistic experiences for visitors and offering increased exposure and opportunities for artists. We hope that all visitors to our museum will embark on a voyage to discover the fragrance of life and beautiful dreams through the interplay of music, art, space, and human interaction in the vast realm of art.

  • Building

  • Exhibition Hall

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    The beginning of K&L Museum's architecture goes as follows. It is the first step towards completing the SMK Culture Complex, along with the existing SMK International Headquarters and the Spanish Restaurant EL OLIVO. The future completion of this multi-cultural space draws inspiration from the architectural materials of the museum, creating a cohesive context among these spaces. We envision an appealing space where art, music, and food converge, allowing individuals to experience and enjoy various forms of art up close.

     

    K&L Museum strives to create diverse and unique spaces, keeping in mind the power of space and the harmonious blend of exceptional artworks. We believe that this fusion will greatly enhance visitors' artistic experience.

     

    The initial encounter with K&L Museum is composed of glass booths, offering a glimpse of iconic artworks within the museum. To prevent the building's mass from being overly enclosed, a central courtyard was opened, providing easy and friendly access for anyone entering the building and increasing its public accessibility.

     

    K&L Museum adopts a skip-floor layout, where warm wooden stairs lead to an exhibition hall, a concert stage featuring a piano, seamlessly transitioning to comfortable viewing seats, and ultimately reaching Café L. The varied heights of the floors create diverse perspectives of the space, enriching the experience of observing artworks from different angles. By achieving a minimalist and refined finish, the space exudes a cozy ambiance akin to a warm home, allowing the artworks to blend harmoniously and convey that warmth to the audience.

     

    The exterior of K&L Museum features a choice of stone patterns that resemble the brushstrokes of an artwork, emphasizing the solid and substantial presence of the building. Our aim is to create a cultural space that embodies the essence of human emotions through architectural design, where the precious exhibited artworks and the architectural space mutually enhance each other, giving rise to a culturally rich environment filled with artistic sensibility.

     

    We look forward to the development of K&L Museum as a cultural space that encapsulates the depths of artistic appreciation.

     

    De Archiis CEO / Architect   Je Yong Myung