National Museum of History (NMH)

Overview

The National Museum of History (NMH; Chinese: 國立歷史博物館) is located in the Nanhai Academy, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It was the first museum established in Taiwan after the Republic of China government relocated from mainland China in 1949, and it continues to serve as a major cultural institution for the preservation and exhibition of Chinese and Taiwanese historical artifacts.

History and Founding

The museum traces its origins to December 4, 1955, when the National Museum of History and Art was inaugurated in a Japanese-era wooden structure near the Taipei Botanical Garden. The institution was officially renamed the National Museum of History on October 10, 1957. Its founding collection was derived from two primary sources: artifacts handed over by Japan following World War II, and objects transferred from the Henan Museum when it relocated to Taiwan during 1956–1957.

The original building was later renovated into a five-story reinforced concrete structure styled after northern imperial palace architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with four floors for exhibitions and offices and one floor for storage. In 2007, the Taipei City Government designated the building a Historical Building. A major restoration project was completed in early 2024, and the museum reopened to the public with an updated modern appearance while retaining its traditional architectural character.

On May 20, 2012, the NMH was placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture as part of an organizational restructuring of Taiwan's national museums.

Collections and Holdings

The NMH's permanent collection spans from the Neolithic period through the contemporary era and encompasses over 50,000 pieces classified into 19 categories. These include calligraphy, photography, woodblock printing, pottery, lacquerware, bronzes, porcelain, oracle bones, painted figurines from the Six Dynasties period, Tang tri-color glazed ceramics, and historic documents. Much of the collection originally comprised artifacts from China's Henan Province, including rope-pattern pottery from the Qing Dynasty and Han ceramics from Luoyang. Through annual government budget allocations and donations from more than 400 private collectors, the museum has continuously expanded its holdings with artifacts from mainland China, Taiwan, and other countries.

Access and Usage

The museum is accessible within walking distance south of Xiaonanmen Station and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on the Taipei Metro. The NMH has a branch gallery in Terminal 1 of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Visitors can access permanent and rotating exhibitions. The museum also has an online presence at www.nmh.gov.tw.