Genesis has launched a new immersive exhibition titled The Forest Within in collaboration with Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow. It will open on May 9 at Genesis House, the brand’s flagship cultural space in Manhattan, New York.
Inspired by the serenity and symbolism of Korean forests, the exhibition allows visitors to engage with Korean aesthetics and wellness philosophy, right in the middle of Manhattan.
Wellness Meets Korean Nature
Paltrow, CEO of Goop, a wellness brand she founded in 2008, brings her vision to the project through a shared philosophy of mindful living and cultural immersion. Goop offers functional foods, supplements, and other wellness products aligned with holistic health.
Genesis stated that the exhibition reflects the brand’s Korean identity and Paltrow’s wellness-driven worldview, offering a refreshing take on nature, art, and cultural storytelling.
Set in the underground Cellar Stage of Genesis House, the exhibition takes guests on a sensory journey inspired by Mount Sobaek, guided by Paltrow’s voice narration. The space is filled with symbolic elements of Korean nature: tigers (seen as guardians), rocks, forests, and floral motifs—all enhanced through scent, texture, sound, and light.
World-renowned florist Jeff Leatham contributed to the installation by reimagining Korean scenery using peonies, Paltrow’s favorite flower. This modern floral interpretation provides a multi-layered sensory experience that blends tradition with contemporary design.
The exhibition runs until June 29, and visitors can also enjoy Korean-themed cuisine at the Genesis House restaurant. Featured dishes include mugwort dumplings wrapped in tiger-striped skins and cocktails crafted with Korean herbal ingredients such as ginseng and bellflower root.
Since its opening in 2021, Genesis House has been a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and experiences connecting Korean heritage with the global public. Notable past events include:
- BLOOMTANICA (May 2024): A flower exhibition inspired by Korean gardens and nature
- STARSCAPE (November 2024): A light installation themed around Korea’s winter solstice and New York’s long nights
A Genesis spokesperson commented: “This exhibition continues our mission of sharing Korea’s natural philosophy and aesthetic beauty with the world. Through our collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow, we’ve created a space that offers a piece of Korea in the heart of Manhattan.”
