National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum's collection of cultural relics and treasures is a world-renowned cultural asset. Systematically passed down from imperial collections to the shared heritage of all people, the National Palace Museum's artifacts span nearly the entire unbroken history of Chinese civilization for over five millennia, making it unique in the history of world civilizations. Among the museum's more than 600,000 items, most are former collections of the Chinese imperial family, with imperial collecting beginning over 1,000 years ago in the Song Dynasty. With the widespread application of digital technology in museum exhibitions and hardware, the main building underwent a three-year renovation project. The "New Palace Museum," completed in February 2007 (Republic of China year 96), not only offers a refreshed approach to exhibitions but also added digital learning spaces such as the digital guide lobby, multimedia screening room, and multimedia children's learning area. Concurrently, it continues to promote initiatives like "digital archiving," "digital museum," and "digital learning," aiming to create a museum without walls. Furthermore, diverse dining services, a cinema, and cultural shops allow visitors not only to explore ancient artifacts and appreciate new art but also to use the museum as a dating spot, viewing the National Palace Museum as part of their daily lives. Building on the past and forging a new future, the renovated National Palace Museum not only represents the legacy of Chinese history but also, looking ahead, serves as a new starting point for connecting with contemporary social and cultural contexts. The first-floor reception room is elegantly furnished. On its walls hang the Chung-Cheng Medal received in 1982 (Republic of China year 71), and photographs with two great painters, Chinese Pu Hsin-yu and Western Picasso. Adjacent to the reception room is the large studio, where a lifelike wax figure of the gentleman is seen painting. The four walls display memorabilia such as photos taken in front of the Dunhuang Grottoes, pictures of his elder brother, and calligraphy and paintings by his mother and teachers. Behind it is a small reception room, used by Mrs. Zhang to entertain female guests, where peculiar stones are placed, highlighting the gentleman's love for stones. Additionally, the gentleman was a renowned gourmet; the restaurant displays a "Guest Feast Menu" detailing the dishes served to honored guests, showing a great zest for life. The second-floor scroll mounting room was established due to the gentleman's meticulous research into mounting techniques, with master craftsmen hired for the task. There is also a small, simply furnished studio, likely where the gentleman leisurely created smaller works. A wall clock is stopped at 8:15 AM, set to commemorate the time of the gentleman's passing. Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:00. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays as special open days for visits.