National Museum of Prehistory broke ground June 11 on its new branch in Tainan City’s Southern Taiwan Science Park, a major development in ROC government efforts to preserve an abundance of prehistoric relics in the surrounding region.
Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tainan City Government and STSP Administration, as well as previous NMP curators and private sector representatives, were on hand to witness the milestone event.
Situated on 2.44 hectares in Tainan’s Xinshi District, the NT$1.5 billion (US$50 million) facility is set to open to the public yearend 2016.
Renowned architect Kris Yao is responsible for the facility’s design, which features granite and glass curtain walls creating a sense of calm and serenity for the museum.
According to the NMP, since Academia Sinica’s Institute of History and Philosophy began archaeological digs in and around the STSP in 1996, 58 sites of interest have been discovered dating back 300 to 5,000 years.
The findings prompted officials to set up a facility to preserve these cultural and historical heritages, with Taitung City-based NMP overseeing the project.
In addition to acting as a base for archeological excavation and research efforts in the STSP, the facility will document the development and transition of Taiwan’s history. It is also expected to serve as a major tourist attraction and center for recreation and social education.
(SFC-JSM)
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