Hot Spot

Gangneung’s new art and cultural landmark

Sorol Art Museum, a recent addition to Gangneung’s cultural landscape, marks a significant collaboration between two giants of architecture and art. Opened in February, this public museum was designed by Meier Partners, led by the internationally acclaimed architect Richard Meier. Its inaugural exhibition showcases, for the first time in Asia, the works of Lucio Fontana, the pioneer of Spatialism. This event quickly established the museum as a new landmark in Gangneung.

Spanning two above-ground levels and one below, the museum covers a gross floor area of 3,200 m². Its design features a minimalist aesthetic of white concrete, glass, and straight lines, creating a “perfect” building. Known for his iconic white buildings and awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1984, Meier’s notable projects include the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, with the SEAMARQ Hotel in Gangneung also among his well-known works in Korea.

The museum’s interior is bathed in light streaming through vast windows, creating a transparent and warm atmosphere. It offers views of Gangneung’s city center and the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, with a particularly notable perspective of the café from the second floor.
The museum’s debut exhibition features Lucio Fontana’s works in Asia for the first time. Fontana’s neon lights, adorning the lobby ceiling, complement his artistic vision.

Lucio Fontana: Spatial Concept

Fontana, known for his innovative breach of canvas boundaries by puncturing or incising them, presents his first solo exhibition in Korea, exploring the interplay between physical space and artistic expression.
Fontana’s artworks of spatial concept, diverse in size, shape, and color, offer a rich tapestry for appreciation. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in these spatial extensions, becoming part of the artwork.

Quac Insik : In Dialog

An additional exhibition space displays the creations of Quac Insik, a Korean artist who was active in Japan from the 1930s. This exhibit features 20 of Quac’s works, highlighting his material manipulation through the shattering of glass with iron balls and the cutting and reassembling of bronze plates.

Situated atop a hill, the museum provides panoramic views of Gangneung’s downtown area. A neighboring park, harmoniously integrated with the natural surroundings, enhances the visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this world-class architectural and artistic destination during your travels.

Sorol Art Museum : 45, Wondae-ro, Gangneung-si