The Centre Pompidou Hanwha is set to open in Seoul this June, housed in a renovated four-story former aquarium in the Yeouido district. Designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the new outpost is the result of a four-year partnership between the Hanwha Foundation of Culture and the Parisian institution. The museum will launch with the exhibition "The Cubists: Inventing Modern Vision," which explores the evolution of Cubism and its specific intersections with Korean art history.
This expansion marks a strategic move for the Centre Pompidou as its flagship Paris location remains closed for major renovations. By establishing satellite venues in global hubs like Seoul, Shanghai, and Malaga, the institution maintains its international influence and generates revenue through brand licensing and collection loans. The Seoul branch specifically aims to bridge Western modernism with contemporary Korean perspectives, reflecting South Korea's growing dominance in the global art market.