The Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha’s entire artistic and philosophical world is currently the focus of a large-scale special exhibition, ‘Alphonse Mucha: Light and Dreams,’ which has captivated audiences in Seoul. Held at The Hyundai Seoul ALT.1, the exhibition officially opened TODAY November 8, 2025, and is scheduled to run through March 4, 2026. The staging of this comprehensive show holds particular diplomatic significance, as it commemorates the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Czech Republic, underlining the enduring cultural exchange between the two nations. This thoughtfully organized retrospective moves beyond Mucha’s reputation as a decorator to explore his status as a pioneer of modern graphic design and a visionary artist of deep national conviction.
The exhibition has successfully brought together 143 masterpieces from the Mucha Trust’s family collection, offering a rare and comprehensive look at the artist’s versatility. The works span a wide range of media that includes Mucha’s iconic lithographs, detailed drawings, sculptures, unique jewelry, and various other artifacts. A centerpiece of this collection is the inclusion of 18 oil paintings and tempera works, a medium Mucha is less widely known for than his posters, offering a rare opportunity to experience the painterly sensitivity of his fine art firsthand. These 18 pieces are seldom seen even in Prague and have been specially transported for this event from the Czech Republic and London. Over 70 pieces in total are being unveiled in Korea for the very first time, including the oil paintings ‘Light of Hope’ and ‘Slavia’ (1920) , and the celebrated sculpture ‘Goddess of Nature’ (1900) .
The prestige of the exhibition is further highlighted by the inclusion of eleven works designated as national treasures of the Czech Republic. Displaying these national treasures required special export approval from both the Czech government and the European Union, making their presence a testament to the exhibition’s international importance and the collaboration achieved between the Mucha Trust and the Korean organizers. The show itself was organized in close collaboration with the Mucha Trust, the official foundation dedicated to preserving and researching Mucha’s artistic philosophy and legacy, ensuring historical authenticity. John Mucha, Alphonse Mucha’s grandson and head of the Mucha Trust, and guest curator Tomoko Sato—a renowned expert on Mucha’s life and work who has been the curator for the Mucha Foundation since 2007—were directly involved in planning the entire event, which is being marketed with the tagline, The Artist as Visionary.
The presentation follows a clear, two-part thematic structure to guide visitors through Mucha’s evolution. The first part focuses intensely on his celebrated Paris years, a period when he was internationally hailed as ‘the world’s greatest decorative artist.’ This section prominently highlights his pivotal collaboration with the legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt, which catapulted both their careers and defined the Art Nouveau aesthetic. Iconic lithographs and decorative masterpieces from this period, such as ‘Gismonda,’ ‘Reverie’ (1897) , ‘Zodiac’ (1896), and ‘Job,’ are all on magnificent display, illustrating the mastery of his sinuous line and decorative style.
The latter part of the exhibition shifts focus to Mucha’s return to his homeland, the Czech Republic, where he pursued the realization of his Pan-Slavic national ideals after his time in Paris. This section delves into the philosophical and historical depth of his artistry, showcasing works like ‘Madonna of the Lilies’ (1905) and offering insights into his monumental life’s work, ‘The Slav Epic,’ a series of twenty monumental paintings depicting the history of the Slavic people, which crystallized his utopian vision of humanity and peace.
Adding an unprecedented and uniquely personal layer to the exhibition is the introduction of the ‘Mucha House’ in Prague to the Korean public for the first time. This private residence has faithfully preserved Mucha’s legacy for three generations, housing previously unseen works and sketches. Visitors can glimpse this private world, which includes artifacts like the harmonium once played by artist Paul Gauguin, all maintained in their original, untouched state. The experience is significantly enriched by videos that feature personal stories shared directly by John Mucha, providing an intimate look into the artist’s life and creative journey. This special exhibition thus serves as a powerful testament to Mucha’s profound and multifaceted influence, offering audiences a rare opportunity to fully appreciate his painterly talent and understand the national and philosophical convictions that fueled his monumental artistic journey, from his decorative posters to his aspirations as a visionary artist. You can watch a curatorial insight into Mucha’s works by the Mucha Foundation’s curator here: Mucha’s Art Made Her Immortal: Curator Walkthrough. You can secure your tickets for this one-of-a-kind experience directly via the ticket link: Alphonse Mucha: Light and Dreams Exhibition Tickets.
