An exhibition marking the centenary of the Presidential Office Building kicked off March 24 at the national-level historic site in Taipei City.
The event comprises three sections—Vision, Viewpoints and Perspectives—featuring 193 historical images, a short film about the structure and winning entries from a recent public photo competition, respectively. Themed Tell Me What You See, the show invites visitors to analyze the building from multiple perspectives and come up with their own understanding of the landmark, according to the PO.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Vice President Chen Chien-jen encouraged the public to grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic landmark and explore its evolution over the past century, from its construction in the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945) through martial law to the democratic era.
Once seen as a symbol of authoritarian rule, the Presidential Office Building has become increasingly accessible to the public since democratization, Chen said. This is spotlighted by the first 24-hour open day held earlier this year, he added.
According to the vice president, in the century since the building was completed, the people of Taiwan have experienced terrible hardships and great joys. The centenary offers an opportunity not simply to look back, but also to embrace tolerance and welcome the next 100 years in the spirit of love and compassion, he said.
Construction of the Office of the Governor General, as the facility was originally known, was started in 1912 and finished in March 1919. The Renaissance-baroque structure was built by Japanese architect Matsunosuke Moriyama based on an initial design by Uheiji Nagano. (HC-E)
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