“The Pearl of the Age of Exploration - NPM National Treasures Gather in Penghu” Grand Opening on May 17: Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu Invites All to Discover National Treasures and Set Sail Through History
Penghu County Government
2025-05-17
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The opening ceremony for the special exhibition “The Pearl of the Age of Exploration - NPM National Treasures Gather in Penghu” was held today (May 16) at the Penghu Living Museum. The exhibit features 15 precious national treasures from the National Palace Museum (NPM), including the Meat-Shaped Stone from the Qing Dynasty, the Doucai Chicken Cup from the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty, and the Right-spiraling Conch from the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, along with 13 cultural artifacts from Penghu’s local collections. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 17 to August 17 on the second floor of the Penghu Living Museum. Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu warmly invites residents and tourists alike to take this opportunity to explore the museum and embark on a historical journey into Penghu’s illustrious role during the Age of Exploration.
The opening ceremony featured a lively performance by the Qiqi Children's Dance Troupe and was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including government officials, council members, and the Director of the National Palace Museum, Hsiao Tsung-Huang, along with the NPM curatorial team, who all came together to witness this cultural milestone.
Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu stated that as the National Palace Museum celebrates its centennial, Penghu County is honored to collaborate with the museum to bring 15 carefully selected national treasures across the sea for this special exhibition. By integrating these precious artifacts with Penghu’s rich tourism resources, wartime history, and deep cultural heritage, the exhibition offers both residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience a unique blend of culture and tourism. Through the chance to view these national treasures up close, the public can not only learn about history and gain a deeper understanding of Penghu, but also reconnect with the narratives of their homeland - personally experiencing the spirit of the seafarers who once braved the winds and waves to defy fate. This exhibition not only highlights Penghu’s significant role during the Age of Exploration but also allows local residents to reconnect with their history through the lens of cultural artifacts, further deepening their sense of identity and emotional connection to their homeland.
Chen Kuang-Fu also extended his gratitude to the NPM curatorial team for their professionalism and trust, as well as to the local government, police, and cultural workers whose joint efforts made this high-caliber exhibition possible - bringing Penghu an unprecedented cultural event.
Director Hsiao Tsung-Huang expressed his joy in being part of this cross-temporal cultural celebration. Historically, Penghu has been a vital hub in East Asian maritime trade, rich in cultural heritage and diversity. This exhibition tells the story of the Age of Exploration, promotes cultural accessibility, and advances the vision of a “Palace Museum for All.” Hidden gems in the exhibit include rarities like the Ru Ware Narcissus Basin in Bluish-green Glaze from the Northern Song Dynasty and the Jade Plate with Dragon Pattern, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience.
According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the exhibition consists of two major sections: the Artifact Gallery and the Digital Exhibition Zone. The artifact section presents NPM’s collection of cultural relics, maps, and documents alongside local archaeological finds, marine life specimens, and historical landmarks, highlighting Penghu’s pivotal role in the Age of Exploration and its rich cultural exchange. The digital zone, themed “The Pilot of the Black Strait,” offers a fully immersive experience through digital technology, combining Qing-era documents, maps, and local museum resources to vividly recreate maritime stories of the Ming and Qing dynasties - deepening visitors’ understanding of Penghu’s connection to maritime history.
