“The launch of the museum bears testament to enterpreneurs giving back to society,” Tainan Mayor William Lai said at the inauguration ceremony. “It also brings the city a step closer to its goal of becoming the country’s cultural capital.”
Also attending the event were Taichung City Mayor Lin Chia-lung, museum founder Hsu Wen-lung, who also established IT firm Chimei Group, and Chimei Museum Foundation Chairman Frank Liao.
According to Hsu, who set up the museum 23 years ago and donated it to Tainan City Government in 2012, the facility vacated CMG headquarters in May 2014. “Its new three-story home is a special public asset boasting close to 10,000 exhibits spanning the fields of anthropology, art, history and science,” he said.
Operated by CMF, the 9.5-hectare, NT$2 billion (US$63.69 million) facility also includes nine outdoor art installations featuring Apollo, Cupid and Narcissus, as well as a children’s playground.
In addition, the museum offers an array of events like documentary films, interactive activities and music performances, Hsu said, adding that there is something for everyone.
Given the groundswell of interest in the museum, Hsu said he is confident it will serve as a first-class ambassador for Tainan. “We are scheduling more events to better share the unique heritage of our city and region with visitors from home and abroad.” (DF-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw