Works from the collection of Taiwan’s National Palace Museum are being shown at the National Museum in Prague, highlighting the government’s effort to enhance cultural exchanges with Czechia as part of the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative.
Running until Dec. 31, “100 Treasures, 100 Stories” opened Sept. 11 and includes 131 items from the NPM accompanied by digital displays. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended the opening ceremony alongside NPM Director Hsiao Tsung-huang and Culture Minister Li Yuan. Czech dignitaries included Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, Deputy Culture Minister David Kašpar, Deputy Environment Minister Eduard Levý and Michal Lukeš, the hosting museum’s director general.
Speaking at the event, Hsiao called the exhibition a milestone in Taiwan-Czechia cultural relations. He noted that art knows no borders and the power of culture lies in its ability to cross linguistic and geographical barriers, adding that he has also discussed Czech works being displayed in Taiwan with Lukeš.
Echoing Hsiao’s remarks, Lukeš said the event was an embodiment of the trusting relationship between the two sides. The NPM would not lend its precious treasures to untrue friends, he said, thanking authorities and curators from both countries for helping realize the dream.
Li added that in addition to the exhibition, he felt proud of the inclusiveness of Taiwan’s culture, as evidenced by National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan’s performance at the ceremony in addition to a staging of its musical “Formosa Roadside Wedding Banquet” Sept. 12 at the Czech Museum of Music. Lin also attended the latter show, which integrates Taiwanese opera and folk songs.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin proposed the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative after he took office last May. The varied events around the continent aim to demonstrate the close bonds formed between Taiwan and Europe by the shared values of diversity, freedom, inclusiveness and openness, while also leveraging culture to strengthen relationships. (YCH-E)
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