Special Stradivarius Exhibition at Deoksugung: "Vesuvio" Unveiled in Korea for the First Time

Exhibition Commemorating the 140th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations, November 1-21
Traditional Korean String Instruments and the National Anthem of the Korean Empire Also on Display

Stradivarius Vesuvio

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Embassy of Italy in Korea will hold a special Stradivarius exhibition at Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace from November 1 to 21. For the first time in Korea, Antonio Stradivari’s “Vesuvio” will be unveiled.

This event is part of the “Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange,” commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy. Stradivari, a string instrument craftsman from Cremona in northern Italy, is regarded as the world’s greatest master of instrument making. Cremona is known as the home of renowned string instrument-making families such as Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri, and is still considered the center of violin making today. The Vesuvio, which will be showcased at this exhibition, is a violin crafted by Stradivari in 1727.

The exhibition is divided into four sections. The first section covers the history of cultural exchange between the two countries since the signing of the treaty in 1884. The second section introduces Western musical instruments brought into Joseon after the opening of ports and the Western-style military band established in 1900. The third section features the Vesuvio in an exclusive space, highlighting its construction techniques, materials, and traces of craftsmanship. The fourth section presents traditional Korean string instruments such as the gayageum and geomungo, as well as gold ornaments decorated with the Imperial Seal of the Korean Empire and the sheet music of the national anthem of the Korean Empire.

From the left: hyangbipa, gayageum, sugonghu

Andrea Virgilio, Mayor of Cremona, described the Vesuvio as “a living heritage that embodies the knowledge and skills passed down by craftsmen over centuries.” Emilia Gatto, Ambassador of Italy to Korea, stated, “It is meaningful to commemorate the exchange between our two countries in the historic setting of Deoksugung Palace.”

Heo Min, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, added, “I hope visitors will discover the beautiful charm of string instruments from both countries.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.