Overview
Zheng He’s voyages to the West, Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, and Columbus’s discovery of the New World… They are renowned historical explorers even before the Era of Exploration. When it comes to Taiwan, most people associate it with its relationship with China. However, if we go back to the 15th and 16th centuries, what kind of perception did the Western world have of Taiwan? What was Taiwan like when it first encountered the world? And what resources did Taiwan possess that Europeans sought during that time?
Charting Formosa is an exhibition with the support of the National Museum of Taiwan History on the historical cartography of Taiwan from the 16th century. The program will cover historical backgrounds ranging from the encounter between the East and West during the Era of Exploration, the meeting of the Dutch and Taiwan, to the departure of the Dutch from Kingdom of Tungning’s rule. Catch a glimpse of how Europeans see Asia and reacquaint Taiwan during that era, including the complex trade routes and agendas.
Co-presented by National Museum Of Taiwan History.
About National Museum of Taiwan History
Known by its initials NMTH, the National Museum of Taiwan History is located in Annan District on the western edge of Tainan, which 400 years ago was the site of a huge bay known as the Taijiang Inner Sea. In this historically significant place, they continue to tell stories of Taiwan’s past and preserve its present.
To preserve Taiwan’s historical and cultural memory, NMTH has amassed a collection of nearly 150,000 artifacts. Combined with strong research, planning, and promotion capabilities, they focus on historical and contemporary issues to tell the story of Taiwan and its people from a variety of viewpoints and interethnic perspectives. NMTH provides diverse members of the public with friendly services and educational programs. Built upon a strong foundation of local historical research and the foundation of museum historiography, NMTH’s vision is to showcase “Taiwan and its Place in the World” and promote Taiwan’s cultural identity through preservation of historical artifacts, dialogues on historical issues, international cooperation, and knowledge accessibility. They reiterate the value of multiculturalism and their commitment to be a history museum at the national level that can shine a light on contemporary social issues.
Dates & Times
August 26
12pm – 7pm
August 27
12pm – 6pm