Introduction
National Taiwan Museum is a historic museum located in Taipei, Taiwan. Established in 1908, it is the oldest museum in the country and one of the most significant research and cultural institutions in the region. It houses an extensive collection of more than 650,000 items from Taiwan and its surrounding regions, including artifacts from prehistoric eras to the present day. It also serves as an important educational resource, hosting interactive exhibitions and programs to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. National Taiwan Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of this fascinating country.
History
The National Taiwan Museum was founded in 1908 as the Taiwan Governor-General Museum. It was created to preserve and showcase the cultural and natural history of Taiwan, as well as to promote Taiwan’s cultural identity and heritage. At the time, Taiwan was part of the Japanese Empire, and the museum was funded and managed by the Japanese government.
In 1945, the museum was taken over by the Republic of China and renamed the Taiwan Provincial Museum. In 1967, the museum was further renamed the National Taiwan Museum and moved to its current location in Taipei. Since then, the museum’s collections and exhibitions have grown significantly, and it is now the largest museum in Taiwan and one of the most visited sites in the city.
Collections
The National Taiwan Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 650,000 items from all over Taiwan and its surrounding regions. These collections include artifacts from the prehistoric era, as well as a variety of items from different cultures, such as the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan, the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Dutch. The museum also houses a large selection of rare books and manuscripts, including many from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The museum’s collections are divided into four main categories: Archaeology, Anthropology, History, and Natural History. The Archaeology section includes artifacts from the prehistoric era, as well as items from the Austronesian tribes of Taiwan. The Anthropology section houses a variety of items from various cultures, including Chinese and Japanese art, porcelain, and textiles. The History section contains a wide range of items from different periods of Taiwan’s history, such as documents from the Dutch colonization period, the Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese rule. The Natural History section includes a variety of items from Taiwan’s flora and fauna, as well as displays on geology and meteorology.
Exhibitions and Programs
The National Taiwan Museum regularly hosts a variety of exhibitions and programs to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. These exhibitions and programs range from traditional art and history displays to interactive displays and activities. The museum also hosts special events and lectures throughout the year.
In addition to exhibitions and programs, the National Taiwan Museum also serves as an important educational resource. It offers a range of educational materials and resources, such as books, videos, multimedia, and educational kits. These materials are designed to help students and teachers understand and appreciate Taiwan’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The National Taiwan Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Taiwan. It houses an extensive collection of more than 650,000 items from Taiwan and its surrounding regions, including artifacts from prehistoric eras to the present day. It also serves as an important educational resource, hosting interactive exhibitions and programs to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for something to do in Taipei, the National Taiwan Museum is definitely worth a visit.