Centre Pompidou Hanwha opens in Seoul amid art-washing criticism

The Centre Pompidou Hanwha opened in Seoul on May 19, sparking controversy over allegations of art-washing. Critics, including domestic and international arts organizations, argue that Hanwha Group’s partnership with the Paris-based museum normalizes profits linked to armed conflicts, given its ties with Israeli defense firms like Elbit Systems and Elta Systems. Over 100 French artists signed an open letter demanding a boycott, calling the museum an ‘art-washing operation’ that compromises cultural institutions. Protests during the press opening amplified concerns, with critics questioning why funds weren’t used to support local artists instead. Social media debates followed, with some dismissing the criticism as exaggerated. The museum’s inaugural exhibition, *The Cubists: Inventing Modern Vision*, showcases 91 works from the Pompidou’s collection, exploring Cubism’s influence on modern art. Admission costs 28,000 won for adults, the highest fee among Korean art museums. Hanwha Foundation of Culture rejected the allegations, stating it operates as a nonprofit focused on cultural exchange. It pledged to engage with the art community while emphasizing its mission to contribute sustainably to culture. The opening marks the foundation’s first major visual arts initiative since its 2007 establishment.