Taiwan Today
Date: December 29, 2015
National Palace Museum Southern Branch began its trial period Dec. 28 in
The golden screen of “Tibetan Dragon Sutra” is showcased for the first time as one of the highlights in the opening exhibitions of National Palace Museum Southern Branch Dec. 28 in Chiayi County. (Courtesy of NPMSB)
Chiayi County, marking a significant development in the government’s efforts to enhance art facilities in southern Taiwan.
During the ceremony, President Ma Ying-jeou praised the contributions made by all project participants, particularly the devotion of the construction workers who built the facility with speed and precision.
“This is the best gift for the NPM’s 90th anniversary,” Ma said. “The complex also enriches the local art scene and improves the city while laying the foundation for the area’s cultural infrastructure in the future.”
Initiated 15 years ago, the 70-hectare museum is designed by acclaimed local architect Kris Yao, recipient of the 2014 Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Architects. The NT$10.93 billion (US$331 million) project comprises a main exhibition hall, an artificial lake and a landscape park in Chiayi County’s Taibao City.
In addition, a 141.74-meter-long bridge designed to resemble a rainbow provides the only access to the glass-and-steel building, which is equipped with the latest technology to protect the facility from droughts, earthquakes and floods. [FULL STORY]