The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is set to showcase an important aspect of Korean culture through its upcoming exhibition, “Lunar Phases: Korean Moon Jars.” This exhibition, which will run from March 2 to June 8, 2025, is part of a three-year partnership with the National Museum of Korea (NMK). It will be held in the Charles P. and Diane Gallagher Family Gallery on the first level of the museum’s Hamilton Building and is included with general admission.
The exhibition features 21 objects, including 12 moon jars. Traditional moon jars are known for their unique shape and milk-like color that pays homage to the moon, a significant symbol in Korean culture. The jars are crafted by building them in halves, which are then joined together before being glazed and fired.
“Lunar Phases” follows the DAM’s ongoing focus on Korean art and is supported by a grant exceeding $900K from NMK under its Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program. Hyonjeong Kim Han, Joseph de Heer Curator of Arts of Asia at DAM, and Ji Young Park, National Museum of Korea Fellow of Korean Art at DAM, curated this exhibition.
Families visiting the exhibition can engage in a seek-and-find activity designed to help children spot differences between moon jars and understand their causes. Additionally, museum members have an opportunity to attend a conversation with artists YoungJune P. Lew, Ken Gun Min, and Minjae Kim on March 1. These artists will discuss their creative processes related to reinterpreting moon jars.
On May 17, artist LEE Dong Sik will conduct a public demonstration at the museum where attendees can observe the creation of a moon jar and try making one themselves.
An accompanying catalog for “Lunar Phases,” available in softcover print at DAM’s Shop, along with programs related to the exhibition are supported by NMK’s Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program.
“This show highlights the ongoing reinterpretation and reinvention of the moon jar over time,” said Hyonjeong Kim Han. “Visitors will have a chance to learn about Korea here at the DAM through the lens of an iconic cultural symbol.”
“Lunar Phases: Korean Moon Jars” is organized by DAM with generous support from NMK’s Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program. Additional support comes from Gay-Young Cho, donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, residents supporting SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District), as well as promotional support from 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
Support for Gallagher Gallery is provided by Your 6 Front Range Toyota Stores.
