National Palace Museum Opens First Exhibit in Prague
Taiwan's National Palace Museum is bringing pieces of Taiwan to the Czech Republic for the first time, featuring famous works like the Jadeite Cabbage. The cultural exchange event coincides with foreign minister Lin Chia-lung’s tour through Europe to strengthen ties with regional partners.
Czech Republic-Taiwan Cultural Exhibition: National Palace Museum Displays 131 Treasures in Prague
REPORTER:
In Prague, all eyes are on Taiwan’s national treasure – the Jadeite Cabbage. In its exhibition “100 treasures, 100 stories,” Taiwan’s National Palace Museum is showing off some of its most famous pieces in the heart of Europe. It’s the first time the collection has been shown in the city, and the first time it's been abroad in over a decade.
Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung and cultural minister Li Yuan joined Czech officials at the opening ceremony.
Markéta Pekarová Adamová (PRESIDENT, CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES):
When I was in Taiwan, I saw the pork. Now I finally saw the cabbage. So I have it complete. I have to say. It’s really beautiful.
We're very happy to have this opportunity. It’s really friendship when we have such great partner in Taiwan who, you know, trust in us.
REPORTER:
Taiwan has been working to introduce its culture in Europe this year. Earlier in June, the foreign minister took a European delegation to watch an original musical about Dutch colonial history in Taiwan. And now this exhibition in Prague signals a continuation of cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. The National Palace Museum’s director says it only lends its most precious pieces to its true friends.
Hsiao Tsung-huang (DIRECTOR, NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM):
This exhibition is symbolic of Taiwan-Czech Republic ties. It also marks a milestone for our cultural exchanges.
[I’ve personally] proposed that Czech artifacts be displayed in Taiwan. The National Palace Museum will keep its door open.
REPORTER:
Foreign minister Lin’s stop in Prague is part of a ten-day tour around Europe to strengthen Taiwan’s ties. The ministry has kept his schedule a secret to prevent interference.
REPORTER:
The exhibition runs through December 31. Enough time, officials hope, to introduce Taiwan’s multifaceted cultural heritage. First to Prague, then to the world.
Fuhua Hung and Irene Lin for TaiwanPlus.
