During the
Japanese colonial period, professors and students of Ewha
Womans University Museum collected ethnographic articles,
wooden artifacts, and ceramic wares for the purpose of preserving
Korea's culture. In 1935, the Ewha Womans University Museum
displayed its collection on the first floor of the main building
on campus, marking the Museum's first exhibition.
When the Korean War broke out, a portion of the collection
was lost or damaged. When the university took refuge to Busan,
Dr. Helen Kim, the president of the university at the time,
temporarily exhibited the Museum's collection at Pilseung-gak
in 1952. She wished to prevent the collection from being stolen
or taken out of the country, and to introduce Korea's culture
to foreigners and UN soldiers.
After the Korean War, the
university moved back to Seoul, and the Museum displayed the
collection and concentrated on collecting new objects. In
1956, the Museum's collection expanded once again as Dr. Helen
Kim, Mrs. Jung-ae Lee, and other generous donors donated hundreds
of their own personal pieces.
The Museum constructed its
own building in 1960, in which it kept permanent exhibition
halls open until November, 1989.
In order to preserve and manage
the collection efficiently, the Museum constructed its current
building to commemorate the
100th year of Ewha Womans University, and opened it to the
public on August 7, 1990.
1930 Established
the draft for founding the Museum
1935 Founded the Museum at Room 109
of the Main Hall
1950 Lost the collection during the
Korean War.
1952 Rebuilt the Museum at Philseunggak,
Busan
1953 Reopened it at Room 109 of the
Main Hall after the recovery of Seoul
1960 Reconstructed and opened the Museum
on a 1,322 square meter site
1989 Reconstructed and opened the Museum
on a 4,406 square meter site in commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of Ewha
Opened
the Ewha Archives Gallery Room
1999 Opened the Chang Pudeok Memorial
Gallery
2005 Enlarged the building in commemoration
of the 70th anniversary of the Museum
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