National Museum of Natural Science in the central city of Taichung is attracting a steady stream of visitors with its mind-expanding exhibits and state-of-the-art facilities.
For Taipei City resident Huang Mei-hui and her family, NMNS is a must-visit destination when traveling to Taichung. Her four-year-old son is a big museum fan, particularly enthralled by the giant animatronic dinosaurs that react to visitors by raising their heads and roaring.
According to Huang, there is always something new at NMNS as it regularly hosts exhibitions. Exploring science at an early age is essential for stimulating children’s curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions, she said.
It also helps children develop their senses and overall awareness, Huang said, adding that as a parent, she feels fortunate Taiwan is home to a number of world-class institutions dedicated to the field.
The Life Science Hall at NMNS introduces visitors to the wonders of Mother Nature.
Established in 1986, NMNS is Taiwan’s first science museum. With more than 1.3 million drawings, objects, photographs, sound recordings and specimens spanning anthropology, botany, geology and zoology, the institution holds the country’s largest collection of related materials.
Complementing the museum’s broad range of exhibits are five theaters equipped with advanced audio, lighting and video systems, as well as themed galleries like Human Cultures, Life Science and Global Environment Halls. It also has a botanical garden containing 800-plus plant species to provide further educational and recreational options.
In recent years, NMNS has been striving to enhance its offerings with augmented reality and virtual reality features while putting greater emphasis on lighting and spatial design. These approaches are successfully bringing collections to life and delivering unique guest experiences.
NMNS Director General Chiao Chuan-chin said his institution aims to heighten public interest in science by creating an engaging learning environment with cutting-edge technologies. It is essential for the museum to offer innovative display methods and content in order to encourage repeat visits, he added.
Alongside its permanent exhibitions, film screenings, guided tours and lectures, NMNS organizes outreach programs supplying learning kits and teaching aids to schools, especially those in remote areas, and offers free admission to underprivileged students.
Learning opportunities in the early years are critical for success, Chiao said. The museum seeks to promote scientific literacy in children and cultivate their critical thinking and knowledge about natural phenomena, he added.
At the same time, NMNS is increasing its social media presence, holding virtual exhibitions and expanding online access to collections and educational materials. Chiao believes museums must go further in adapting to the digital age, particularly during COVID-19, adding that in this way they can continue engaging audiences regardless of geographic location or operating hours. (E-KH) (By Kelly Her)
The Space Theater at NMNS offers exhilarating audiovisual experiences with its top-notch multimedia technology.
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(This article is adapted from Future Minded in the November/December Issue 2021 of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)