“100 Treasures, 100 Stories,” the first overseas exhibition of the National Palace Museum (NPM) in celebration of its 100th anniversary had a grand opening at the National Museum of the Czech Republic in the evening of September 11, marking a new milestone for Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy. The exhibition features 131 precious artifacts, among which the most popular national treasure, Jadeite Cabbage, made its debut in Europe. Together with national treasures, Along the River During the Qingming Festival, Qing court version and Cabinet of Curiosities, all the classical exhibits are showcased to draw the eyes of visitors in the Czech Republic and beyond.
On scene at the opening ceremony, distinguished guests at home and abroad, including Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic; Markéta Pekarová Adamová, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament; David Kašpar, Deputy Minister of Culture; Eduard Levý, Deputy Minister of the Environment; Michal Lukeš, Director General of the National Museum; as well as dignitaries from Taiwan, including Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang; Delegation Representatives Legislator Chiung-Ying Yang, Legislator Hsiu-Pao Chen, and Legislator Yi-Chun Lin; NPM Director Tsung-Huang Hsiao and Deputy Director Pei-Chin Yu; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Chia-Lung Lin and Minister of Culture Yuan Li that promote “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025,” gather together to bear witness to the significant moment of the cultural diplomacy of Taiwan. The NPM artifacts not only allow the world to see Taiwan but also showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Taiwan.
In his remark, NPM Director Tsung-Huang Hsiao stated that this international collaboration has brought people together. He would like to express his appreciation especially for the full support of the leaders from the Senate and the Chamber of Duties of the Czech Parliament as well as the departments of foreign affairs and of culture from both countries. In particular, with Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang, Minister Chia-Lung Lin, and Minister Yuan Li’s presence to witness the crucial moment of Taiwan marching towards the world culturally and diplomatically, it not only deepens the cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Czech Republic but also testifies the understanding and friendship between democratic societies. Hisao also extended his gratitude to Michal Lukeš, Director General of the National Museum, and the curatorial teams for years of efforts, so that audiences may appreciate the beauty of artifacts. Furthermore, through the artfully curated exhibition design, audiences can relish the stories and cultural connotations behind the display.
NPM Director Tsung-Huang Hsiao noted that during his directorship at the National Taiwan Museum (NTM) in 2005, “A Thousand Faces of Formosa─The Nature and Tradition of Taiwan” was curated for display at the National Museum of the Czech Republic. It was a pleasure for the Director to set foot on Prague, a beautiful city rich in history, once again twenty years later, as he was thrilled to present the exquisite NPM artifacts to the Czech audience. The display of NPM artifacts in the Czech Republic carried an extraordinary meaning, signaling yet another important milestone for Taiwan-Czech cultural exchange. “Art transcends borders.” The power of culture lies in its capability to go beyond borders, linguistically and geographically, for people to understand each other and know themselves. An invitation has been officially made to Director General Michal Lukeš of the National Museum, with the expectation to plan for an exhibition of Czech artifacts in Taiwan. The National Palace Museum shall continue its dialogue with the international community with an open mindset of diversity, serving as a cultural bridge between Taiwan and the world. Setting sail from Taiwan, the NPM shares stories from the land across the world for more people to see and appreciate Taiwan via artifacts.
Director General Michal Lukeš of the Czech National Museum remarked that in his first visit to the NPM in 2003, a dream emerged in him, hoping to bring these national treasures of rarity to the Czech Republic for display one day. In 2005, led by the then NTM Director Tsung-Huang Hsiao, “A Thousand Faces of Formosa” was held at the National Museum of the Czech Republic, laying a solid foundation for the Taiwan-Czech cultural friendship. After two decades of waiting, Jadeite Cabbage made its debut in Europe at last, exhibited together with over a hundred cherrypicked NPM artifacts. They symbolize the friendship of trust between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, for “the NPM does not loan its precious collection to those other than true friends.” His heartfelt appreciation went to the leaders from the Senate and the Chamber of Duties of the Czech Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and the curatorial teams of both parties for their full support. The exhibition would not come to fruition today without the seed of friendship sowed in Prague by NPM Director Tsung-Huang Hsiao then. It was a long journey to fulfill the dream. Director General Michal Lukeš thanked the distinguished guests for witnessing the dream journey of twenty years together.
As Minister of Culture Yuan Li noted, after 20 years in the making, the exhibition of NPM artifacts finally arrived in the Czech Republic for display against all odds. His heart was full at the sight of a successful opening of the exhibition, coupled with the diverse repertoire of Taiwanese folk songs brought by the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan (NCO) of the Ministry of Culture. From the NCO performance that had encompassed orchestra pieces like From the New World: Symphony No. 9, 2nd movement of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák to the upcoming “Formosa Roadside Wedding Banquet” that fuses music with opera at the Czech Museum of Music, as Li emphasized, the inclusiveness of Taiwanese culture embracing various cultures is vividly manifested. “I’m really proud of it,” said Minister Li.
According to the National Palace Museum, echoing with “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, “100 Treasures, 100 Stories” is on display at the National Museum of the Czech Republic till December 31. With “storytelling via artifacts” as the curatorial statement, this exhibition features 131 cherrypicked artifacts of rarity. Together with digital exhibits, ten topics, including “The Jadeite Cabbage,” “Cabinets of Curiosities,” “Science in Ancient Art and Craft,” “Landscape in Art, Battle of Red Cliff,” “The Elegant Lifestyle of the Scholar-Official in Ancient China,” “Everyday Life,” “Pets in the Palace,” “The Lion – Mighty Protector,” “Supernatural Beings,” and “A Strong Carp Heralds Success,” were carefully curated. Through the NPM artifacts and stories behind the scenes, the exhibition seeks to connect with the cultural meanings of the East to resonate with European audiences, wherein dialogues and exchanges are engaged across cultures to appreciate Taiwan rich in diversity, openness, and charm.
Media Liaison of the National Palace Museum
Emily Wang +886 2 2881 2021 #68991 Email:
emily@npm.gov.tw
Wan-Yu Yang +886 2 2881 2021 #68900 Email:
yuyang@npm.gov.tw