BTS leader RM takes his personal art collection to San Francisco for first museum exhibition

BTS RM. Pics via X

BTS leader RM is stepping into a different kind of spotlight with his first museum exhibition, RM X SFMOMA: Between You and Me. Calling the show "a pretty long introduction of myself", the singer has curated the exhibition around his personal art collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

BTS RM first museum exhibition

Opening to the public on October 3, the exhibition brings together 178 works, including pieces from RM's collection and works from SFMOMA. The show focuses on Korean modern and contemporary art, featuring artists such as Kim Whan-ki, Yun Hyong-keun, Park Re-hyun and Chang Ucchin. It will remain on view until February 7, 2027.

RM has been closely involved in shaping the exhibition, working alongside SFMOMA co-curators America Castillo and Hyoeun Kim. From choosing the artworks and developing the central concept to writing exhibition texts and descriptions, his involvement went far beyond simply lending his collection.

He also recorded audio guides in both Korean and English and personally selected the music visitors will hear while moving through the galleries. The idea for the exhibition began around two years ago, when RM received the museum's proposal while serving in the military. He said he approached the project "with an innocent heart", only to discover that the process would involve repeatedly working on hundreds of labels and descriptions.

RM, who has no formal training in art history, said two questions guided his choices, "Does it move me really?" and whether, "right now in 2026," an artist or artwork still has something to say. BTS recently performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

RM calls exhibition a self-introduction

For RM, the exhibition is also a personal reflection on Korean art and history. Speaking at the opening reception in San Francisco, he noted how Korea had experienced "colonisation, war and an incredibly fast development", with much being lost while remarkable works were created along the way.

Rather than viewing his lack of formal art training as a limitation, RM sees his outsider perspective as something that can bring a fresh approach to the exhibition. "In any field, sometimes an outsider can bring in a new breeze," he said, expressing hope that visitors would understand more about him through the works he selected.

He also wants audiences to experience art without feeling intimidated by it. "I hope the people just could figure out, like, how much it's fun and joyful to go see an exhibition," RM said.

With nearly 180 works spanning Korean modern and contemporary art, RM X SFMOMA: Between You and Me offers fans another glimpse into the BTS leader's long-standing interest in art while giving museum visitors an insight into the visual world that has influenced him. BTS is currently on their Arirang World Tour following their official group reunion post-military enlistment.