Korean Gallery Overhaul

[Anchor Lead]

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York draws over 60 million visitors each year. The Korean gallery at the Met has seen an overhaul that is exciting fans of Korean art.새 단장을 시작했습니다.

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This huge six-fold picture that draws the attention of spectators is a globally rare royal court painting that depicts in detail the birthday celebration of a Joseon Dynasty king. The Amitabha Triad which preserves three Buddha statues in one set testifies to the advanced development of Korean Buddhism. The Korean gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has begun an ambitious renewal starting with the addition of 13 national treasure-level pieces to the collection.

[Soundbite] Maxwell Hearn(Head of Met's Asian Art Department)

Over the next three years, the Korean gallery at the Met will significantly reinforce its collection, through measures such as long-term loans from the National Museum of Korea in Seoul and a special exhibition in 2018 to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Korean pavilion.

[Soundbite] Oh Seung-je(Director, Korean Cultural Center NY) : "Curators from the National Museum of Korea will visit the Met to plan and oversee new types of exhibitions that can further highlight Korean culture."

In a rare move, a traditional Korean gukak music performance was also held inside the museum for major donors and critics who were invited in a bid to shore up attention and more investment to the Korean gallery. The gallery will be remodeled across the board including factors such as lighting, glass and methods of display. A brand new Korean hall will be unveiled in 2018.