On April 17, 토토사이트 w University Museum opened the 14th term of its 토토사이트 w Museum Academy with a nine-week lecture series themed Rival Log – Conflict and Creativity in World History.

The term “rival” often symbolizes conflict across politics, military affairs, and sports. However, this lecture series goes beyond opposition to highlight how rivalry can also serve as a powerful force for creativity and cultural advancement throughout history.

The opening lecture was delivered by Professor Kim Heon of Seoul National University’s Institute of Humanities, titled The Eternal Rivals Who Determined the Fate of Ancient Greek Civilization – Athens vs. Sparta. The second lecture was given by Professor Emeritus Kim Deok-soo of Seoul National University’s Department of History Education on The Rivals of the Ancient Mediterranean World – Rome vs. Carthage. Most recently, on May 8, Professor Yang Jung-moo of the Korea National 토토사이트 w of Arts gave a talk on The Fated Rivalry of Three Renaissance Masters – Da Vinci vs. Michelangelo vs. Raphael.

Professor Yang, founding president of the Korean Society of Art Management and former president of the Korean Society for Art History Education, is well known for communicating with the public through TV shows like Differentiated Class (JTBC) and The Hall of Art History (KBS1), as well as books such as The Secret of Art Prices and The Naked 토토사이트 w. His lecture focused on the artistic rivalries between Renaissance giants Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Da Vinci and Michelangelo clashed in Florence’s Great Council Hall Wall Mural Project, with Da Vinci tackling the Battle of Anghiari and Michelangelo the Battle of Cascina. “They were summoned not merely as artists, but as political and social symbols,” Yang explained. “Their rivalry was closely tied to the prestige of the Florentine Republic.” Although the murals were never completed, their intense competition drove both artists to study and imitate each other, fueling artistic growth.

In Rome, Michelangelo and Raphael engaged in a different kind of artistic rivalry. Pope Julius II strategically placed them in adjacent Vatican spaces to foster competition, which led to the creation of masterpieces like The Sistine Chapel Ceiling and The School of Athens. “The pope was a strategist who understood how to manage artists,” Yang noted. “He realized that competition, not money, brings out their best.” He emphasized that the art scene at the time was not a place for winners and losers, but a dynamic arena of mutual reflection and creative tension.

Raphael, through meticulous analysis and imitation of Da Vinci’s and Michelangelo’s work, developed his own style and elevated Renaissance painting to its pinnacle. “Originality isn’t the only essence of art,” Yang concluded. “Imitation and rivalry can also be powerful drivers of great creation.”

With wit and an engaging tone, Yang brought heavy classical art topics to life, captivating the audience. His lecture unfolded like a narrative, blending history and art to provide an immersive experience.

토토사이트 w University Museum launched the 토토사이트 w Museum Academy in 2017 to strengthen its role as a cultural platform. The program is open to all, including the general public, and is offered both on-site and via Zoom.

Kim Kyung-eun, a curator at the museum, noted, “Each year, many participants enroll in the Academy. This 14th term alone has drawn over 250 participants across online and offline formats.”

The Academy invites leading scholars each semester to lecture on subjects ranging from the humanities and art to science and medicine. “We hope these lectures will spark curiosity and broaden perspectives for all attendees,” Kim added.

The current program has six lectures remaining. They are held every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kang Sung-hee Seminar Room in 토토사이트 w University Museum. Participation is free for all 토토사이트 w University members.

토토사이트 w University Museum organizes one to two themed exhibitions annually. Although no exhibitions are planned for this year due to renovation work, the museum has a strong record of curating innovative and thought-provoking shows.

To foster practical training for future curators, the 토토사이트 w also operates the 토토사이트 w Museum Internship Program, which provides college students and early-career curators with hands-on experience in exhibition planning, benchmarking visits, and project-based teamwork.

In addition, the 토토사이트 w runs tailored programs such as Career Development for 토토사이트 w students, Career Exploration for secondary school students, and the 토토사이트 w Curator Workshop to enhance professional capabilities in the field.

“A university museum should be more than just a display space—it should be a cultural institution for the local community,” said Kim. “Hanyang University Museum functions as a bridge between academia and the wider public.” Last year’s special exhibition, Cement: Moment, featured the Cement Connect Tour in collaboration with Seongdong Cultural Foundation, offering local residents a guided exploration of Seongdong District’s cement architectural heritage.

This July and August, the museum will host an 8-week internship program with students from both Princeton University and Hanyang University. Participants will gain experience in hands-on exhibition planning. A joint exhibition with Hanyang’s Architectural History Lab is also scheduled for August, highlighting Mongolian architectural drawings and exploring East Asian ancient architectural cultures.

“Hanyang University Museum aims to be an open space where everyone feels welcome,” Kim said. “We’ll continue to engage more people with fresh, creative content and serve as a vibrant hub of cultural exchange between the university and the local community.”