Odium Wins Special Interior Award in 'World's Most Beautiful Museum' Category at Versailles Architecture Prize

"Achieving a Balance of Cultural and Public Values"

Odium Audio Museum has won a special interior award in the "World's Most Beautiful Museum" category at the Versailles Architecture Prize organized by UNESCO. This recognition follows its selection as one of seven candidate museums worldwide in May, and internationally acknowledges Odium's aesthetic and functional achievements in interior space.

Interior view of Audium (lounge). Provided by Audium Audio Museum

The Versailles Architecture Prize is an international architecture award that selects outstanding buildings around the world based on criteria such as innovation, originality, regionality, public value, and sustainability. The museum category was newly established in 2024.

Odium’s interior, which features a structure that harmoniously blends aluminum pipes, natural light, and wood textures, was highly praised for creating a comprehensive sensory experience that connects sight, hearing, touch, and smell. The judging panel noted that Odium is an exemplary case of balancing regional, cultural, and public values.

With this award, Odium plans to expand its role as an institution that sets international standards for sound heritage research and hearing-centered exhibitions. Architect Kengo Kuma commented, "The potential of a space where sound, light, and scent overlap to create new sensory experiences has been internationally recognized."

Established in June last year, Odium operates on a principle of free admission and collects and exhibits materials related to 150 years of audio history. To date, over 25,000 people have visited its permanent exhibition, "Jeongeum: The Journey of Sound," and the museum continues to expand accessibility through various audio programs and tours for the visually impaired.

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