On Thursday, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic Temple of Dendur was transformed into an intimate, amber-lit lounge complete with a dining area, DJ booth, dance floor and photo opportunities in celebration of luxury Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo’s year-long  partnership with the Museum. The star-studded celebration commemorated the future support the brand will offer the Museum, including helping to realize dynamic programs and activities aimed at changing the ways audiences engage with and celebrate global heritage. 

In a festive celebration of the power of art and heritage, the evening included many nods to Korean culture, reinterpreting age old traditions in a modern way. Ginseng-infused cocktails created by Award-winning mixologist Leo Seo called back to the brand’s own heritage – Sulwhasoo was the first to carefully craft beauty products infused with ginseng – and were paired with a custom dinner menu designed by Atomix Michelin-starred Chef, Junghyun Park. The event also featured live music from a range of performers with Korean heritage including DJ Mona Matsuka, Grammy winning artist Anderson .Paak and Ambiguous Dance Company, known for their “undefinable and ambiguous” dance style that draws inspiration from Korean culture. 

The brand’s latest film “I Am Ginseng” also premiered at the event, starring Tilda Swinton, their new global ambassador. The actress joins the brand’s fellow global ambassadors and event co-hosts including BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Academy Award winning actress Yuh-Jung Youn and Chinese actress Jia Song, all of whom represent the brand’s commitment to artistry and creativity.  Notable guests in attendance also included Charli XCX, Ashley Park, Antoni Porowski, Georgia Fowler, Paloma Elsesser, Violetta Komyshan and Tramell Tillman. 

One of the first events in the year-long partnership will be The Met’s Women and Critical Eye panel discussion and reception, taking place on April 13th and focusing on the cultivation of connoisseurship in women who have an interest in the art world. The annual discussion offers participants unparalleled access to world-renowned curators, collectors and contemporary artists. For a brand dedicated to the creation of a world of beauty powered by art and heritage, Sulwhasoo and The Met seem to be the perfect pairing.