Exploring the Ami Art Museum: A Hidden Gem in Chungnam
A Place Where the Green Season Meets the Breath of Time
I visited the Ami Art Museum.
Located in Dangjin, Chungnam, Ami Art Museum is transformed from the former Yudong Elementary School, which closed in 1993, into an ecological art museum.
Instead of artificial architectural beauty, it welcomes visitors with a humble and comfortable landscape shaped by the passage of time and nature.
Rich green ivy densely wraps around the red bricks and old wooden window frames, while trees that embrace the grassy playground where children once played radiate a warm atmosphere unique to this aged space.
The forest path and outdoor garden behind the building create a serene landscape shaped by time and nature, attracting visitors repeatedly.
Ami Art Museum is a representative cultural regeneration space cultivated by a couple of artists who personally worked the soil and planted trees in this abandoned school.
It began when painter Park Gi-ho and installation artist Shin Bong-kyun rented the closed Yudong Elementary School.
They preserved the existing structure, maintaining the old floor and truss design while planting trees and flowers to establish the foundation of an ecological art museum.
After extensive renovations and outdoor exhibition preparations, it officially opened in 2010, adhering to the regulations for public and private art museums in Chungcheongnam-do.
The name 'AMI' holds geographical significance as it is located at the foothills of Amisan in Dangjin and also carries a dual meaning in French as 'friend.'
The most notable charm of Ami Art Museum, retaining the structure of an elementary school, lies in its exhibition space design.
Walking along the long corridor feels like opening the door to a classroom from school days, where each room welcomes visitors with uniquely themed artworks.
In each quaint room, reminiscent of old classrooms, various contemporary art exhibitions, including paintings, installation art, and photography, unfold organically.
As you pass through the doors, the spaces once occupied by chalkboards and desks are filled with the distinctive perspectives of artists.
The creaking wooden trusses and floorboards blend naturally with the artworks, creating a warm atmosphere that cannot be felt in cold modern art museums.
Every time you cross a door, it brings the joy of exploring every corner of the classroom.
Stepping outside from the classroom leads to a refreshing garden path where nature and art blend seamlessly.
Walking along the path behind the building, a pleasant breeze flows through the lush branches overhead.
The old trees create a comforting scenery reminiscent of an old countryside home, making you want to walk endlessly.
The complex cultural space 'Maison de Ami' serves as an art shop and hosts various educational and experiential programs.
Special experiences are available to create lasting memories of your visit to the museum.
Participants can engage in the program 'Creating My Own Goods Connecting to the Sea,' where they can make keychains or trinkets inspired by the ocean, adding a unique artistic touch to their visit.
The path leading to the old elementary school playground feels warm and cozy, resembling a visit to a friend's countryside home.
Flanked by dense trees forming a green tunnel, the playground welcomes you with its lush grass, bringing joy to your eyes.
There's a small café harmoniously integrated with the forest, perfect for a leisurely break after a stroll.
Sitting at an outdoor table, you can appreciate the serene expanse of the green playground, allowing the fatigue of daily life to melt away.
As you walk along the forest path, a quaint hanok appears, once the residence of the principal during the Yudong Elementary School days.
Now, it serves as a creative space for artists to stay and continue their work.
Ami Art Museum, with its creaking old wooden corridors and diverse exhibitions in each classroom, along with the green playground and garden paths, offers a gentle retreat for all who visit.
Regardless of the season, it welcomes visitors with unique charms, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to Dangjin.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224391899816
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