NTM interactive exhibition spotlights historic buildings

2015/12/25

An interactive exhibition drawing back the curtain on the historic buildings of the National Taiwan Museum and surrounding area kicked off Dec. 22 in Taipei City.

“Musemble City: An Experiencing Project for Modernity” comprises films and photographs of NTM and 45 other structures including National Taiwan University Hospital, Zhongshan Hall and the former headquarters of the National Taiwan Science Education Center.

The buildings are divided into six categories: abandoned sites, commercial complexes, educational institutions, factories, government offices and public plazas.

According to NTM Director Chen Chi-min, these old facilities play a key role in the formation of Taipei’s political, economic and cultural landscape and form collective memories among its populace. “The event helps document the growth of the city while offering a comprehensive overview of its cultural development for locals and visitors alike.”

Echoing Chen’s remarks, exhibition curator Kuo Chao-lee, who doubles as an associate professor of urban planning at National Taipei University, said the city’s architectural and social features are changing rapidly. “We believe our dedication and tireless hard work will help these buildings retain their cultural relevance in modern times.”

One of the most significant structures featured in the event is the museum itself. Inaugurated in 1915 during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), it is the oldest facility of its kind in Taiwan. It was a center where the Japanese collected information on Taiwan’s cultural heritage, before later serving as a venue where the ROC government held commercial fairs from 1950 to 1960.

Another important spot highlighted in the exhibition is the former NTSEC. Founded in 1958, it was recognized as a historic site by the Council for Cultural Affairs, now the Ministry of Culture, in 2006. The center has since been renovated into the Taipei branch of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute.

As part of its efforts to expand awareness of these structures, NTM has developed a Musemble City app that enables people to access the museum’s online database for information when visiting any of the historic buildings featured in the event. Users are also invited to upload photos taken at the sites to NTM’s website to be shown on a display wall during the exhibition.

Equally intriguing is a project to collect from the public 100 creations concerning the buildings. The ideas will be compiled into a video as part of the celebratory activities for NTM’s centennial anniversary.

Running through Sept. 4 next year, the exhibition is sure to generate considerable interest among local and international visitors and help promote the preservation of the featured historic landmarks.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=240616&ctNode=2194&mp=9)