Step into the captivating world of Capitol Modern. This isn’t just any art museum. It’s a living testament to Hawaii’s artistic soul. Originally a hotel for royalty back in 1872 it housed guests of King Kamehameha V. It later served the US military before falling into disrepair.
The building you see before you was rebuilt in 1928. It stands as a landmark on the National and State Historic Registers. In 2002 it was reborn as the Hawaii State Art Museum. This small gallery boasts 19500 square feet of art. It includes four galleries a sculpture garden and even a collection of student artwork.
But the story of Capitol Modern goes deeper. Its name changed in 2023. This reflects its location in Honolulu’s historic Capitol District. The rebranding was a multi-year process. It cost $156260. The new name sparked debate. Some felt it was too similar to a business name. Others saw it as a needed modernization.
The art within is a direct result of Hawaii’s Art in Public Places program. Established in 1967 this program set aside 1% of state construction funds to purchase art. Hawaii was the first US state to enact such a law.
Capitol Modern isn’t just about showcasing art. It’s about community engagement. It hosts events like Pasifika Night outdoor movie nights and soul nights. These events aim to make the museum accessible and welcoming. The museum strives to attract a diverse range of visitors and increase visitor counts. In 2019 over 82600 people visited. Numbers dropped to 12500 in 2021 due to the pandemic. But now the numbers are rising again.
Before you stands more than a building more than a museum. It’s a vibrant space that breathes life into Hawaii’s art scene. It’s a place where history and art intertwine where the past meets the present. This is Capitol Modern.