Capitol Modern

The Hawaii State Art Museum is located on the second floor of the historic No. 1 Capitol District Building listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses a modest but stunning permanent collection of art, mostly from the 1960s to present day, by some of Hawaii’s most celebrated painters, sculptors, printmakers, and ceramicists among other artists and artisans. The museum’s revolving temporary exhibits also focus on Hawaiian artistic expression, both past and present, and its deep multi-ethnic roots. The building itself also has an interesting history. The site was once a late 19th century hotel turned YMCA turned military headquarters during WWI. In 1926, the old structure was torn down and replaced by this stately Spanish mission-style building.