What happens when one of the world’s biggest music icons turns the museum wall into his next stage? In early October, it was announced that Kim Namjoon, better known as RM of BTS, will co-curate an exhibition at the SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) under the title RM x SFMOMA. This is not just another headline about a celebrity exploring fine art. It’s the story of how one man quietly transformed admiration into action and passion into purpose. Keep reading to see how RM’s passion for art meets the museum stage.
Beyond the Stage: BTS RM Brings His Art Collection for RM x SFMOMA
This moment feels like a soft revolution in both music and visual art. RM has long been a quiet collector, a guest in gallery halls, and a sharer of images.
Now the rapper, lyricist, and cultural thinker steps forward as curator in the spotlight for his first major art exhibition at the SFMOMA. In this project, he collaborates with curators América Castillo and Hyoeun Kim to present a dynamic showcase of contemporary art.
The show—RM x SFMOMA—will bring around 200 works into dialogue, including works he owns and those from the museum. The show promises more than a display of paintings; it’s a dialogue between worlds — East and West, music and art, solitude and fame.
It will explore identity, boundaries, and connection across time and place. For fans, art lovers, or curious minds—you’re invited into his vision, his collection, and the bridges he hopes to build.
BTS RM’s Art Era Begins at SFMOMA
RM & Music
Kim Namjoon, best known as RM, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and music producer. He is best known as the leader of the global pop icons BTS. His solo works include two mixtapes: “RM” (March 2015) and “mono.” (October 2018). He also released two studio solo albums, “Indigo” (December 2022) and “Right Place, Wrong Person” (May 2024). These projects show his wide range across music genres.
Namjoon is known as a creative powerhouse and a big fan of art. His lyrics are deep and often inspired by different art forms. He approaches music with a flexible and thoughtful mindset. This helps him push creative limits through fresh collaborations.
He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson Paak, Lil Nas X, HONNE, and Mahalia. On May 24, 2024, RM released his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, which received critical praise.
The Curator Behind the Canvas
If you’ve followed him on Instagram, you’ve probably seen glimpses of him wandering through museums with a cap or a beanie and a sling bag, enjoying numerous collections of art.
RM began collecting art seriously in 2018 after visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. For his love of art, he personally funded numerous conservation projects for heritage sites in Korea. This includes art restoration projects at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
In 2022, he spoke openly about his passion for art during the episode “Intersections” of The Art Basel podcast. He shared that his first art purchase was a small mountain by the late Korean artist Daiwon Lee, created in 1976. He said, “I just liked it, I just bought it.”
RM has assembled a private collection that spotlights Korean modern and contemporary art over many years. This impressive collection showcases works by renowned artists such as Yun Hyong Keun, Park Rehyun, Kwon Okyon, Kim Yun Shin, To Sangbong, and Chang Ucchin. Often overlooked in global conversations, these artists embody something deeply personal to him — resilience, quiet rebellion, and reflection.
In the same interview with The Art Basel, RM shared his vision for an art collection exhibition in Korea. In this exhibition, art lovers can explore and enjoy a curated collection of his favorite artworks.
“I’m planning to make a small space of my own private collection and just maybe a cafe on the first floor, and start up my collections on the second and third floors.”
BTS RM
His vision at that time can now be seen in his upcoming collaboration with SFMOMA.
While his group BTS’s fame continues to soar on global stages, BTS RM’s curatorial journey hums in the background. In this quiet space, silence holds meaning, and stillness speaks volumes. It is in this space — somewhere between Seoul and San Francisco — that RM x SFMOMA was born.
RM x SFMOMA
RM x SFMOMA will run from October 2026 to February 2027 and showcase around 200 works from both RM’s private collection and SFMOMA’s archives.
The curation creates an intimate, poetic conversation between Korean abstractionists such as Kim Whanki and Chang Ucchin, and Western icons, including Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Georgia O’Keeffe, Paul Klee, and Henri Matisse.
BTS RM said in SFMOMA’s official statement,
“We live in an age defined by boundaries. This exhibition at SFMOMA reflects those boundaries: between East and West, Korea and America, the modern and the contemporary, the personal and the universal. I don’t want to prescribe how these works should be seen; whether out of curiosity or study, all perspectives are welcome. My only hope is that this exhibition can be a small but sturdy bridge for many.”
BTS RM
It’s a vision that’s both grounded and revolutionary — reminding us that art is not a language of status, but of empathy.
Janet Bishop, Thomas Weisel Family Chief Curator at SFMOMA, said in a statement,
“Visitors will have an unprecedented opportunity to explore RM’s beautiful and contemplative collection of paintings and sculpture in dialogue with works from SFMOMA’s holdings, inviting us to make new discoveries and reflect on our own relationships with art.”
Janet Bishop
When Influence Becomes Intention
BTS RM’s influence goes beyond his music. Through his Instagram or other channels, RM curates and promotes artworks. His Instagram page already shapes a curated space of personal taste, drawing attention to works and experiences he values most.
Driven by his passion, he inspires people to explore art. He also helps them discover museums, galleries, or events they might not have known about.
This shows RM’s ability to amplify cultural experiences and create lasting impact. As a result, his influence extends beyond fandom; he makes art more accessible and meaningful to a broader audience.
“When I post about exhibitions or museums, fans visit after me, and it’s really great that people could love one’s taste and actually be there, visit the museums and see the arts.”
BTS RM
RM x SFMOMA isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a cultural milestone. It marks the evolution of influence itself: from fame to purpose, from spotlight to stewardship.
Moreover, by curating, RM redefines what leadership looks like. He turns visibility into vision. He shows that creativity can move beyond music — into how we collect, preserve, and share beauty with others.
Consequently, this exhibition opens a new chapter for Korean art on the global stage — and perhaps, for the global audience discovering that art is as emotional as any melody.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that influence, at its highest form, isn’t about being seen — it’s about helping others see.
Come See What He Sees
When RM x SFMOMA opens its doors, it won’t just show paintings. It will reveal perspectives — the kind that make you pause, breathe, and listen to what silence sounds like.
If you’ve ever wondered what inspires the mind behind BTS’s songs, this is your invitation to step inside his world. Stand where he stands. Look closer.
Because sometimes, art doesn’t just hang on the wall, it looks right back at you.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: RM x SFMOMA
- Venue: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- Dates: October 2026 – February 2027
- Curators: RM (Kim Namjoon), América Castillo, Hyoeun Kim
- Featured works: ~200 pieces (Korean + international)
- Official site: sfmoma.org
In the meantime, tune in as RM shares his insights, inspiration, and passion for art and museum in a conversation with Marc Spiegler from Art Basel.
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