Museum Week kicks off with nationwide programs
The annual Museum Week kicked off Friday, with museums and galleries across the country launching a wide range of programs aimed at reimagining the evolving role of museums in modern society.
This year's theme, 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' was announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which has organized the event since 2012. A variety of exhibitions and hands-on experiences are scheduled to run through the end of May.
Among the featured programs is 'Meet the Museum,' a new initiative involving 50 museums and galleries showcasing unique collections with compelling stories to share. Participating institutions include the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum in Suwon and the Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art in Icheon, both in Gyeonggi Province.
'Enjoy the Museum' offers exhibitions and interactive programs at 31 participating institutions, including the Gyodong Art Museum in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
'Stroll in the Museum' invites the public to explore museums outside the capital, with curated tours designed to highlight regional collections. Tour stops include Yangpyeong and Paju in Gyeonggi Province, Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province, Daejeon, Jeonju in North Jeolla Province and Jeju Island. A total of 25 group tours, each accommodating up to 30 participants, will be held.
Meanwhile, the Korea Heritage Service announced special interactive programs for families with children to be held at historical sites in Seoul on Children's Day, May 5.
Children aged 12 and under — along with their accompanying parents — will receive free admission to the four main palaces of the Joseon era (1392–1910): Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. Free access also extends to the Jongmyo royal shrine and the royal tombs located in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province.
Children will have the opportunity to dress as royal guards, try on traditional uniforms and handle replica weapons. Photo sessions with palace guards will also be offered.
At the National Palace Museum of Korea, located near Gyeongbokgung, families can enjoy magic shows and guided tours that explore the study of celestial bodies and royal rites during the Joseon era. The museum is the country's premier institution for artifacts from the Joseon era.
More information about the events can be found on the websites of the Culture Ministry and Korea Heritage Service.
siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com
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