History

The K&L Museum opened its doors on May 25, 2023, and made its public debut later that year in September with a solo exhibition by Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch. The museum was established as part of the cultural initiative by SMK International Co., Ltd., a Korean trading company. Founded in 1994, SMK International has built a strong global network, particularly across Europe and Southeast Asia, and has since extended its reach into the cultural sector.

 

Chairman Kim Sung-min of SMK International has long believed in the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the social role of art. His passion for cultural engagement began in earnest in 2013, when he launched the Spanish restaurant El Olivo and began importing wines from Europe to introduce Spanish culinary culture to Korea. This vision was further enriched by his deep love for classical music and the artistic direction of his daughter, Chief Curator Kim Jin-hyung, who studied fine arts. Together, their shared philosophy of enriching life through art came to life with the creation of the K&L Museum.

 

Rooted in this philosophy, the museum was founded to help Korean audiences connect with and appreciate the evolving landscape of international contemporary art. This mission reflects the spirit of global trade—the foundation of its parent company—now extended into the realm of culture. The K&L Museum aspires to be a hub for contemporary art from Eurasia and beyond, fostering a global network through the universal language of art. In pursuit of this goal, the museum not only hosts exhibitions within Korea but also actively participates in international collaborations that showcase Korean and Asian art abroad.

 

Driven by this vision, the museum curates exhibitions in collaboration with leading contemporary artists from around the world. It also introduces new acquisitions, thematic shows, and diverse artistic programs and events. Chairman Kim’s affection for music has inspired innovative exhibitions that merge visual art with musical elements, enriching the overall visitor experience. As a private museum, the K&L Museum is deeply committed to its role in connecting artists, communities, and the public, embracing the educational and cultural potential of the arts. We strive to create an open and welcoming space where people can engage with art more intimately and expand their creative sensibilities.

 

In line with this mission, the K&L Library—a new multi-purpose cultural space—is set to open in October 2025. Together with the K&L Museum and El Olivo, this cultural cluster aims to offer visitors a meaningful journey where they can discover beauty, inspiration, and the essence of life through art and culture.

  • K&L ARCHITECTURE

     

     

    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