There are more than 400 museums in Taiwan, from the worldwide famous National Palace Museum to small local museums. Most of them have been created in the last 20 years especially thanks to economic growth and political freedom.

These museums cover a wide range of thematic, the Chinese Association of Museums having identified not less than 18 different ones, including fine arts, modern and contemporary arts, history, archaeology, anthropology, natural history, sciences and techniques, arts and crafts, industry, university, memorial halls, religion, theatre, literature, music...

If the most famous museums are located in Taiwan three main cities (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung), the government has dedicated many efforts to open museums in other cities or counties (Tainan, Taitung, Pingtung) and to develop small scale museums in rural areas, in an effort to bring culture to everyone.

These museums are divided into various administrative categories, depending whether they are public or private, and subordinated to the central government or to local governments (county or city).

They all fall under Taiwan "Social Education Act" which defines museums as social and cultural institutions, and depend from the Ministry of Education. However, discussions are on-going to pass a new law on museums that would transfer the competence for supervision over museums to the Council for Cultural Affairs.

The National Palace Museums, which has one the most beautiful collection of Chinese art in the world, benefits from a special status. His Director is a member of the government, who reports directly to the Prime Minister.

•Chronological Landmarks


Contact

Council for Cultural Affairs
30-1, Beiping east road, Taipei, Taiwan 100 ROC
www.cca.gov.tw

Ms. WU Shu-ying
Tel: 886 + (0)2 2343 4082
Fax: 886 + (0)2 2394 8408
cca031@cca.gov.tw