Exploring the Wonders of Ulsan's Art Museum
울산광역시 중구 도서관길 72
The Ulsan Museum of Art is hosting a special exhibition where visitors can see an original work by Vincent van Gogh alongside major modern and contemporary artworks from the Shin Hong-kyu Collection.
From Rococo-era masterpieces to modern and contemporary art, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class artworks in Ulsan, making it an ideal destination for art lovers and winter indoor dates.
Visiting the Ulsan Museum of Art
Hello, we are the official blog reporter team of Ulsan Metropolitan City.
We visited the Ulsan Museum of Art to experience original works by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most beloved artists in the history of art.
The exhibition space was filled with visitors, clearly showing how much attention this exhibition has received.
The museum is located at 72, Art Museum Road, Jung-gu, Ulsan. It operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. The museum is closed every Monday and on January 1st. Admission fees are 1,000 KRW for adults and 500 KRW for Ulsan residents.
Van Gogh and Modern Art Exhibition Overview
We began our visit in the first exhibition hall, where works by Vincent van Gogh and other renowned artists are displayed. Following the success of the “Lee Kun-hee Collection: A Perspective on the Era,” expectations for this exhibition were understandably high.
This exhibition features works by 54 artists, ranging from 18th-century painter François Boucher to contemporary creators. All pieces come from the collection of Shin Hong-kyu, an Ulsan-born art collector and founder of the New Gallery in New York.
In 2025, the museum plans to continue presenting exhibitions that explore the flow of modern and contemporary art, expanding its cultural reach.
Notable Contemporary Artworks
One of the most striking installations was Marina Abramović’s “Room with Still Life Bed for Actual Use.” Composed of everyday objects such as a lab coat, pillow, eye mask, and padlock, the work invites visitors to contemplate rest, vulnerability, and human presence.
Another memorable piece was Tracy Emin’s “Sleep,” which reflects the artist’s difficult childhood and her personal relationship with rest. The embroidered message “Tracy, hang in there” leaves a quiet but powerful impression.
The exhibition includes approximately 80 to 100 works by internationally acclaimed artists, including American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock.
Seeing an Original Van Gogh in Ulsan
One of the most significant highlights of the exhibition is Vincent van Gogh’s “Portrait of a Peasant,” painted in 1885. Created just before his most famous masterpieces, the work reveals the early development of his distinctive style.
It is especially meaningful that an authentic Van Gogh painting has been exhibited in Ulsan for the first time, making this exhibition a rare cultural event for the city.
In addition to Van Gogh, works by Elaine de Kooning, Cy Twombly, David Salle, Kim Soo-ja, Jeong Chang-seop, Choi Jung-hwa, and Lim Chung-seop are also on display.
Special Lecture and Visitor Experience
To mark the opening of “Van Gogh and Modern Art: Shin Hong-kyu Collection,” a public lecture was held on November 27. Shin Hong-kyu shared firsthand stories about running a gallery in New York and collecting artworks through close relationships with artists.
This exhibition offers more than just viewing masterpieces. It provides insight into the art world through the perspective of the collector who brought these works together.
From Rococo art to modern and contemporary movements, the exhibition allows visitors to experience the evolution of art history in one place.
With so many remarkable works on display, time passes quickly. The Shin House exhibition space alone features 15 masterpieces that are worth viewing closely.
We recommend leaving a message in the guestbook to record your impressions. Whether visiting alone or sharing thoughts with friends, this exhibition offers a rich and memorable cultural experience.
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