National Museum of Prehistory (Taiwan)

National Museum of Prehistory

國立臺灣史前文化博物館
Established	17 August 2002
Location	Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan
Coordinates	22°45′37″N 121°05′30″E
Type	History museum
Website	www.nmp.gov.tw

The National Museum of Prehistory (NMP; Chinese: 國立臺灣史前文化博物館; pinyin: Guólì Táiwān Shǐqián Wénhuà Bówùguǎn) is located in Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan.

History

In 1980, during the construction of the South-Link Line, building work uncovered prehistoric remains on the Beinan Site (卑南遺址).[1] Many slate coffins and artifacts were discovered, and after a proposal by the Taitung City Government, construction of Taitung Station was halted. For 10 years, a National Taiwan University-led team excavated the 10,000 m^2 (110,000 sq ft) site and uncovered over 1,500 burials and tens of thousands of artifacts.[1] The site is widely regarded as the most important site of the mid-Neolithic age in Taiwan, and was then later transformed into the Beinan Cultural Park.

An outdoor museum was proposed and approved in 1990. Trial operations began on July 10, 2001, and the museum officially opened on August 17, 2002.[1][2]

The museum underwent renovation starting on 31 May 2020.[3]

Architecture

The museum was designed by American architect Michael Graves and is situated on a 10 ha (100,000 m^2) parcel of land.[4]

The museum is divided into several sections, including:

• Sun Square
• Mountain Square
• Administrative Building
• Scenic Garden
• Children's Play Area
• The Maze
• Water Fountain Show
• Bird Singing Square
• Sightseeing Hill.[4]

Exhibitions

• Natural History of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London
• Prehistory of Taiwan
• Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London

• 
  Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site
• 
  Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site
• 
  Archaeological artifact from Beinan Site

Transportation

The museum is accessible within walking distance from Kangle Station of the Taiwan Railways.

Branches

• Museum of Archaeology in Tainan

See also

• List of museums in Taiwan
• Beinan Cultural Park

References

1. "Establishment". National Museum of Prehistory. Archived from the original on 2017-10-14. Retrieved 2010-07-22.
2. "Museum offers insights into prehistoric life in Taiwan".
3. "Notice for Visitors". National Museum of Prehistory. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
4. "About Us: The Museum". National Museum of Prehistory. Retrieved 2010-07-22.