Weekly News Roundup: June 26, 2026 – ArtAsiaPacific Rewritten headline: Weekly News Roundup for June 26, 2026 in ArtAsiaPacific
MIT Museum Acquires I. M. Pei Archive
I. M. Pei, the Chinese American architect known for iconic designs like the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, has left a lasting impact on the architectural world. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Museum recently made a significant announcement regarding the acquisition of Pei’s archive. This treasure trove of architectural history was generously donated by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the New York-based architectural firm co-founded by Pei himself in 1955.
The archive, a remarkable collection that includes around 1,500 rolls of drawings, 50 models, and roughly 30 linear meters of manuscripts, documents the breadth and depth of Pei’s career over six decades. It covers approximately 60 projects, offering insights into the creative process behind some of his most celebrated works. From the Louvre Pyramid to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, and even the architectural marvels right on the MIT campus.
Michael John Gorman, the director of the MIT Museum, expressed gratitude for this landmark donation, emphasizing how this acquisition represented a homecoming of sorts for I. M. Pei to MIT. The archive not only reveals the evolution of Pei’s style as an architect but also sheds light on his close relationship with MIT, where he kickstarted his educational journey by earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1940.
Hyundai Translocal Series Inaugurates New Institutional Partnerships
In another exciting development, the Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea introduced two new partnerships under its Hyundai Translocal Series. Launched in 2025, this initiative is a decade-long effort aimed at fostering collaborations between art institutions in South Korea and around the globe. By supporting commissions, public programs, and joint research endeavors, Hyundai encourages the blending of art and technology in curated exhibitions.
The Ulsan Art Museum and New York’s New Museum are set to embark on an innovative collaboration to develop exhibitions focusing on art and technology over the next three years. Their inaugural presentation will showcase a new video art commission by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, highlighting the intersection of art and technology. Similarly, the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation are joining forces with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to offer a residency program for artists exploring new media art in a transregional context.
Fotografiska Opens Second China Location in Shenzhen
Shenzhen, one of China’s bustling cultural hubs, is about to welcome the renowned contemporary photography museum, Fotografiska, to its vibrant landscape in October. This new location, a result of a partnership with Shenzhen Bay MixC, will mark Fotografiska’s second presence in China after its initial establishment in Stockholm back in 2010. The museum, spanning 5,300 square meters and designed by AIM Architecture, will offer a diverse range of year-round programming, featuring photography and new media exhibitions.
Fotografiska’s chairman, Yoram Roth, acknowledged the significance of expanding its footprint in China, recognizing the country’s rich cultural landscape as a pivotal platform for showcasing contemporary art. Through collaborations with local partners, Fotografiska aims to create meaningful connections with audiences in China, sharing the beauty of photography and art with a wider community.