How It All Began

Established in 1928 during the Japanese rule as the Taihoku Imperial University, the National Taiwan University (NTU) is the oldest university in Taiwan with a history of more than 90 years. Since its founding, the University has amassed an extensive collection of historical documents, specimens, and artifacts in order to support research and educational needs across an array of academic disciplines. These collections were originally housed in museums belonging to various University departments. However, constraints in space, manpower, and budget eventually limited the individual museums’ capacity to curate and display these precious items. Yet, it would have been a great loss to the University and the Taiwanese society if these priceless fragments of history were not conserved as a result, and a disservice to the memory of these historical memorabilia if they weren’t shared with the public for wider appreciation of the natural, cultural, and academic heritage that they possess.

In October 2005, then-NTU President Lee Si-chen assigned a task force led by former University Librarian Dr. Hsiang Jieh to bring together the representatives of each departmental museum and formulate guidelines regarding the management and application of museum resources. In February 2007, after more than a year of intensive planning and discussion, the NTU Library proposed the NTU Museums Cooperation and Development Plan , calling for the establishment of a community of NTU museums (later known as “NTU Museums”) in order to promote collaboration among individual museums, and to facilitate the integration of museum resources. Additionally, the plan also advocated the enhancement of individual museum collections, resources, and environment, so as to better fulfill the University’s educational, research, pedagogical, and social responsibilities, as well as boost the University’s social reputation. The plan was approved by the NTU President on March 20, 2007, after which hardware and software improvements were undertaken in each museum. Eight months later on November 15, 2007, the NTU Museums welcomed its inauguration by President Lee Si-chen just as the University celebrated its founding anniversary.

NTU Museums currently comprises 11 member museums, namely the Gallery of NTU History, the NTU Museum of Anthropology, the NTU Geo-specimen Cottage, the NTU Heritage Hall of Physics, the NTU Insect Museum, the NTU Agricultural Exhibition Hall), the NTU Herbarium, the NTU Museum of Zoology, the NTU Archives, the NTU Museum of Medical Humanities, as well as the NTU Art Museum Preparatory Office, which joined NTU Museums in 2021 as its newest member. Since forming the NTU Museums Office, the NTU Library has led the Office in planning, coordinating, and managing the general affairs of the collective museums, such as upholding the museums’ public image. However, each member museum still remains autonomous in making decisions regarding its internal operations and developments.

While a part of the NTU Museums, each member museum still maintains a close relationship with the department to which they belong. The museums are located around the NTU campus, forming an intricate community which breaks away from the traditional notion of centrality usually associated with museums. With the NTU Museums, member museums are not confined to a centralized location, making exhibitions less susceptible to space constraints. Having a community of museums also allows for the formation of a web of connections among members so as to fulfill the University’s pedagogical and research needs, and to better understand the role each museum played in the long history of the University. Our community of museums is now open to the public. With open arms, we welcome you to join us in uncovering the beauty of the NTU Museums and our priceless collections.