National Museum of Prehistory (Taiwan)
The National Museum of Prehistory (NMP; Chinese: 國立臺灣史前文化博物館; pinyin: Guólì Táiwān Shǐqián Wénhuà Bówùguǎn) is located in Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan.
國立臺灣史前文化博物館 | |
Established | 17 August 2002 |
---|---|
Location | Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan |
Coordinates | 22°45′37″N 121°05′30″E |
Type | History museum |
Website | www.nmp.gov.tw |
History
In 1980, during the construction of the South-Link Line, building work uncovered prehistoric remains on the Beinan Site (卑南遺址).[1] Many slate coffins and artifacts were discovered, and after a proposal by the Taitung City Government, construction of Taitung Station was halted. For 10 years, a National Taiwan University-led team excavated the 10,000 m2 (110,000 sq ft) site and uncovered over 1,500 burials and tens of thousands of artifacts.[1] The site is widely regarded as the most important site of the mid-Neolithic age in Taiwan, and was then later transformed into the Beinan Cultural Park.
An outdoor museum was proposed and approved in 1990. Trial operations began on July 10, 2001, and the museum officially opened on August 17, 2002.[1][2]
Architecture
The museum was designed by American architect Michael Graves and is situated on a 10 ha (100,000 m2) parcel of land.[3]
The museum is divided into several sections, including:
- Sun Square
- Mountain Square
- Administrative Building
- Scenic Garden
- Children's Play Area
- The Maze
- Water Fountain Show
- Bird Singing Square
- Sightseeing Hill.[3]
Exhibitions
- Natural History of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London
- Prehistory of Taiwan
- Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London
- Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site
- Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site
- Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site
Transportation
The museum is accessible within walking distance from Kangle Station of the Taiwan Railways.
Branches
References
- "Establishment". National Museum of Prehistory. Archived from the original on 2017-10-14. Retrieved 2010-07-22.
- "Museum offers insights into prehistoric life in Taiwan".
- "About Us: The Museum". National Museum of Prehistory. Retrieved 2010-07-22.