Taiwan finally opens a new branch of one of the world's top museums with some of China's most valuable historic artefacts on display. Located in the southern city of Chiayi, the 9,000 square meter venue is an extension of Taipei's National Palace Museum -- one of the most popular museums in the world with more than five million visitors every year.
Design
The museum is designed by Kris Yao, the southern branch costs approximately $355 million to build with a modern design and a huge glass interior.
"Yao incorporated Chinese culture into the design for the National Palace Museum's Southern Branch, fusing the most advanced engineering technology with the most ancient cultural forms," said President Ma during the opening ceremony.
"He himself practiced Chinese calligraphy, incorporating three different styles in the design, which was no simple task," he said. "It is very meaningful, because when people visit in the future, they will be able to feel that the purpose of the museum is to promote Chinese culture."
Exhibit
The branch in Chiayi will focus on the arts of Chinese dynasties through the ages with artworks from Japan, the Korean Peninsula, the Islamic world and in other parts of Asia.
The museum will also feature Buddhist artifacts, Asian textiles and tea culture displays.
Exhibits from the Taipei museum will be moved to Chiayi for the inaugural months including the "Jadeite Cabbage" sculpture from the 19th century. The Southern branch will also feature South Asian costumes, Islamic jades and porcelains from the Ming Dynasty.
"We hope to attract up to 1.5 million visitors in the first year," said Feng Ming-chu, director of both the Taipei and Chiayi museums in an article published on msn.com.
Feng added that the new venue will target domestic and foreign visitors and the museum will be included in travel packages.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
