Samsung Art Store and the Art Institute of Chicago Partnership

In May 2025, Samsung expanded its Art Store platform by partnering with the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s leading museums. The collaboration added 49 masterpieces from the museum’s collection to Samsung’s digital distribution ecosystem, making them available in over 115 countries through The Frame and Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup.

This partnership was more than a licensing deal. It redefined how fine art could be consumed, distributed, and monetized in the digital era. By enabling millions of households to display world-class artworks on their screens, Samsung created a new form of art engagement that went beyond the gallery wall. For the Art Institute, it unlocked new recurring revenue streams while dramatically expanding its audience reach.

The significance lies in the democratization of access. Artworks traditionally accessible only to museum visitors were suddenly available globally, enriching daily life and education. At the same time, the model preserved the integrity of the originals, positioning digital distribution as complement rather than substitute.

Samsung’s role in this transformation highlighted Korea’s leadership at the intersection of technology and culture. Just as K-pop and K-drama had extended Korea’s cultural influence, digital platforms like the Art Store became vehicles for soft power. For investors, it underscored the scalability of cultural licensing models. For cultural institutions, it opened a new frontier in global engagement.

This case illustrates how Korea’s tech giants are shaping not just consumer electronics but cultural consumption itself, embedding art into the rhythms of everyday life.