Leeum Museum of Art: Dive Into 'Inside Other Spaces' in Seoul (2026)

Ready for an art experience that's anything but ordinary? I recently visited the Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관) to explore their captivating special exhibition, 〈Inside Other Spaces: Synesthetic Environments by Women Artists 1956–1976〉.

The English title perfectly encapsulates the experience: Inside Other Spaces.

Initially, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the exhibition, but once I stepped inside, it immediately brought back memories of the indoor playgrounds I used to frequent as a child. (laughs)

This Leeum Museum of Art special exhibition was a departure from typical art displays, and I'm excited to share my unique experience.

Leeum Museum of Art Special Exhibition: Inside Other Spaces

Exhibition Dates: May 5, 2026 – November 29, 2026

Exhibition Venue: Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관) Black Box & Ground Gallery

This exhibition invites you to directly experience light, sound, color, and space through the works of 11 pioneering women artists.

Instead of simply standing in front of a piece, you're encouraged to step inside the artworks or move through the spaces, making it a truly immersive journey.

Detailed explanations were provided throughout the exhibition, but honestly, with modern art like this, while understanding the artist's intent is important, I believe how the viewer feels and enjoys the experience is equally crucial.

So, this time, rather than trying to interpret every single piece, I simply explored and experienced the spaces as they were.

The moment I entered the exhibition hall, my mind went straight to the indoor playgrounds I visited as a kid – kind of like a modern-day kids' cafe, wouldn't you say?

Remember those places with slides and areas where you could crawl around and play? This exhibition had a similar vibe.

There were sculptures connected by pathways, and some artworks you could actually enter.

Attendants were present in the exhibition hall, offering brief instructions before entering an artwork, like what to do with your shoes or when it was your turn to go in.

In one of the 'other spaces,' a black-walled room was filled with smoke and illuminated by spotlights.

Being in there made me feel more sensitive to light and sound than usual.

It truly brought home the idea that this exhibition wasn't just about visually appreciating art, but about experiencing the space itself.

The Feather Room

One of the most striking areas in the Leeum Museum of Art special exhibition was the room filled with feathers.

This was Judy Chicago's work, 〈Feather Room〉.

The room was packed with feathers, and visitors were happily interacting with them, touching and playing.

I'd always wanted to experience a space like this, but when I saw it, other thoughts immediately came to mind.

'That's going to stir up a lot of dust.'

'How will I get all those feathers off my clothes?' (laughs)

Even though there were tools provided to brush off feathers, I was still a bit worried about them sticking to my clothes.

In the end, I decided not to go inside and just watched others enjoy it from a distance.

I probably would have excitedly jumped in when I was younger, but worrying about such things makes me realize I've truly become an adult now! (laughs)

The last area I explored featured large sculptures.

There were structures that looked like they were inflated with air, and tunnel-like spaces extending up to the ceiling.

This section was incredibly vibrant and colorful.

Personally, this was the most beautiful space in the entire exhibition.

It also brought back fond memories of running around playgrounds as a child.

Even if I didn't fully grasp the meaning of every artwork, simply exploring the spaces was incredibly enjoyable.

After seeing this exhibition, I was reminded once again: contemporary art is truly complex and fascinating! (laughs)

Funnily enough, when I applied to design school years ago, I actually created similar sculptures.

I remember making art, assigning meaning to it, and explaining my creative choices.

This exhibition briefly brought back those memories.

While artists undoubtedly have messages they wish to convey, I approached this exhibition with a lighter heart.

Rather than feeling the pressure to 'understand' the art, I simply entered the spaces, admired the colors, and reflected on how I felt.

Even with that approach, it was a thoroughly enjoyable exhibition.

Idea Museum, After Tomorrow

After finishing the special exhibition, I stumbled upon another display while looking for the restroom.

It was an exhibition called 〈Idea Museum, After Tomorrow〉.

This space brought together a diverse collection of ideas and materials.

It felt like a place where you could explore thoughts and records that have emerged over time.

It seemed like a great spot to ponder what topics people are currently interested in and how a single idea can evolve.

I think anyone interested in design or planning would find this space quite fascinating to explore.

Unfortunately, I had another appointment that day, so I couldn't delve into it in detail.

If you have extra time, it would be a wonderful complement to the special exhibition.

Finally, the Leeum Museum of Art Gift Shop!

After taking in all the art, a visit to the souvenir shop is a must, right? (laughs)

The Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관) gift shop offered a wide array of design products.

I particularly noticed many items showcasing a traditional Korean aesthetic these days.

With beautiful ceramics and charming trinkets, it was delightful to browse through everything.

I didn't make any purchases myself but enjoyed a leisurely look around before heading out.

Leeum Museum of Art: A Great Hannam-dong Date Spot

And that wraps up my visit to the Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관) and its special exhibition.

The 〈Inside Other Spaces〉 exhibition was particularly engaging because, unlike typical painting or sculpture displays, it allowed for direct interaction and experience with the space.

Of course, that inherent complexity of contemporary art was still present! (laughs)

Nevertheless, admiring the vibrant sculptures, reminiscing about my childhood, and enjoying a short but fun exploration made it a worthwhile visit.

If you're looking for an indoor date spot in Hannam-dong (한남동) or crave a truly unique exhibition experience, the Leeum Museum of Art is an excellent choice.

Beyond the special exhibition, other permanent collections are also available, so be sure to check their exhibition schedule before your visit.

You might also find my previous post about visiting the Leeum Museum of Art helpful!

Leeum Museum of Art Review | Hangangjin Station Exhibition Admission, Reservations, Audio Guideblog.naver.com