Taipei city museum cluster set for 2016 launch

2014-10-17

Construction on Taipei’s new museum cluster in Yuanshan is currently underway, with the main campus scheduled for inauguration in October 2016, according to the city government’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

Covering 9.6 hectares in the Taipei Children’s Recreation Center and surrounding area, the NT$1.1 billion (US$36.3 million) project comprises five exhibition venues and an archaeological site.

The cluster is centered on Yuanshan Cultural Heritage Site. Within its boundaries are Yuanshan Site Exhibition Room, Taipei City Museum, Taipei Literature Museum, a food and beverage museum and the new tunnel museum.

DOCA Commissioner Liou Wei-gong said Yuanshan was chosen as the site for the cluster because it was the city’s first inhabited area, making it a symbolic location for city revitalization efforts.

“Through the cluster, we aim to preserve the area’s rich culture and history and let the public experience such assets as the Neolithic Yuanshan shell mound and a 300-meter disused military tunnel.”

Concerning existing facilities onsite, the bulk of the recreation center will be moved to a new location in Shilin, allowing the hillside site to revert to its natural state. The carousel and Ferris wheel, however, are to be retained as a reminder of the past, with Taipei Broadcasting Station shifted to nearby Taipei Expo Park.

Liou said a dedicated Yuanshan project office is set to commence operations shortly, providing greater coordination for the cluster’s development.

“With Taipei designated as 2016 World Design Capital, the project is expected to help cement the city’s credentials in the global cultural and creative sector.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=222937&CtNode=413)