Seoul’s Audeum Audio Museum has received the Special Prize for an Interior in the World’s Most Beautiful Museums category at the Prix Versailles, an international architecture award held in collaboration with UNESCO. The museum, designed by Japanese firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, was one of seven museums worldwide shortlisted for three honours in the category, including the Special Prize for an Exterior.

Founded in 2024, Audeum Audio Museum is the only dedicated audio museum in Seoul. It showcases the history of sound reproduction from the late 19th century to the present, featuring rare instruments such as the Edison phonograph and Western Electric loudspeakers. The museum was established using personal funds from Chung Mong-jin, chairman of construction materials firm KCC, who donated his private collection. Entry is free for visitors.

The museum’s design is intended to offer a sensory experience beyond sight and sound. Kengo Kuma and Associates describe the interior as “an architectural instrument that returns humans to a natural state, allowing them to experience the five senses of the body.” The award ceremony took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, with a jury chaired by former UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova. Bokova highlighted architecture’s cultural role, noting that it “carries memory, fosters identity, and builds bridges between people.”

The recognition reflects a growing appreciation for museums that combine historical curation with immersive design. Another Korean space, the Seven Island café in Busan, was nominated in the World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants category, signalling the country’s expanding presence in global architectural accolades.

Read the full article for a closer look at Audeum Audio Museum’s design and its role in Seoul’s cultural landscape.