Taiwan is gearing up for the annual International Museum Day. The Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced the event will take place on Sunday at Huashan 1914 Cultural and Creative Park. This year, 50 museums across Taiwan will offer special discounts or free admission to the public. As a result, many people will have the chance to enjoy a rich cultural experience.
The theme for this year’s International Museum Day focuses on the “infinite possibilities of technology.” In this way, museums will showcase how digital tools can enhance the experience of visitors. These technologies are set to make museum visits more immersive and accessible, especially for younger audiences. Consequently, the MOC aims to embrace digital tools to expand the museum experience.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has challenged museums worldwide to rethink their roles. ICOM encourages museums to become leaders in innovation, culture, and preservation. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of protecting intangible cultural assets and involving younger generations. In response, Taiwan has planned exciting activities to meet these challenges head-on.
For example, nine major museums, International Museum Day including the National Palace Museum and National Museum of History, will launch virtual reality exhibits. Additionally, some museums will feature interactive digital games for visitors. Through these efforts, museums are not only showcasing technology but also ensuring the digitization of many cultural collections. As a result, more people will gain easier access to Taiwan’s rich heritage.
Minister of Culture Lee Yuan expressed his passion for museums, stating, “I would be happy working in a museum my entire life.” After taking office, Lee made it a priority to visit museums and workshops, International Museum Day where he developed a keen interest in art restoration. Furthermore, Lee highlighted the importance of Taiwan’s “100 Culture Bases,” which feature community-based cultural and artistic venues. These bases provide more opportunities for local communities to engage with culture and history.
These bases are part of the Ministry’s plan to foster local cultural engagement. Interestingly, many of these locations, such as Guling Street Theater and Kishu An Forest of Literature, are within walking distance from each other. Lee believes that museums should be welcoming, educational, and enjoyable spaces for all visitors. He hopes that these efforts will inspire more young people to visit and appreciate Taiwan’s cultural landscape.
Director of the National International Museum Day, Hung Shih-yuu, emphasized the role museums can play in promoting community interactions. He also expressed a desire to see more youth engaged with public issues through art and culture. Moreover, Hung hopes that technology will continue to play a significant role in preserving cultural history while enhancing the visitor experience. He believes this will help museums connect with a broader audience.
With these plans in place, Taiwan is set to make this year’s International Museum Day a memorable one. The integration of technology promises to enrich the museum experience, making culture and history more accessible to all. As a result, this event is sure to be a stepping stone for the future of Taiwan’s museums.
