Juming Museum and New Taipei Animal Protection Office launch pet-friendly day.

The Chuang Chiu-Ming Art Museum, a renowned outdoor landscape art institution located in Jinshan District, New Taipei City, has recently announced a highly anticipated and forward-looking initiative. Aiming to promote public recognition of animal-friendly values and to realize the contemporary ideal of harmonious coexistence between humans and pets, the museum has partnered with the New Taipei City Department of Animal Protection and Quarantine to host a limited-edition "Pet Harmony Day" event. The event will be held on four consecutive Saturdays starting from the 24th of this month. This pioneering move breaks the long-standing strict restrictions on pet entry imposed by major cultural venues in Taiwan, allowing pet owners who love art to bring their furry companions into the outdoor sculpture park for the first time. Surrounded by lush greenery and the master’s classic works, attendees can share a rare moment of artistic leisure.

For years, most public and private museums in Taiwan have explicitly prohibited pets from entering their grounds, citing the need to ensure the safety of artworks, maintain order within the exhibition halls, and consider the experience of other visitors. However, as times change and social structures evolve, pets in many households have transcended the definition of mere animals and are now regarded as indispensable family members. With growing societal attention to animal welfare, balancing the preservation of cultural spaces with the need for human-pet integration has become a significant challenge for public space managers. By taking this bold first step, the Chuang Chiu-Ming Art Museum demonstrates its social responsibility and progressive, open-minded attitude. By opening specific areas to pets during designated times while ensuring the safety of exhibits and the quality of the visitor experience, the museum has written a new chapter in the history of museum development in Taiwan, one that combines humanistic care with innovative thinking.

To ensure the "Pet Harmony Day" is a success while upholding animal welfare and maintaining the recreational quality of the museum, the Chuang Chiu-Ming Art Museum and the New Taipei City Department of Animal Protection engaged in rigorous planning. A variety of activities specifically designed for pets have been arranged, allowing furry visitors to enjoy exclusive fun and care during their visit. Professional veterinarians and animal protection officers from the New Taipei City Department of Animal Protection will be on-site to provide consultations and assistance, educating the public on proper pet care concepts, pet social etiquette, and the core principles of the Animal Protection Act. This cross-sector collaboration not only helps the museum step beyond the traditional framework of a static appreciation hall but also transforms it into a living classroom for life education and civic literacy, enabling the public to learn how to respect and treat life with kindness while enjoying art.

The Chuang Chiu-Ming Art Museum features a vast outdoor park with lush lawns and open spaces, dotted with marble and bronze sculptures from the founder, Master Chuang Chiu-Ming, including his famous Tai Chi and Human World series. In the past, these large-scale outdoor sculptures, integrated with the natural landscape, attracted countless domestic and international visitors. Now, with cute, tail-wagging pets appearing around these artworks, the atmosphere of the park becomes warmer, more vibrant, and filled with the breath of life. For those who love art but cannot part with their pets, this is undoubtedly a boon. Owners no longer need to choose between visiting the museum and spending time with their pets; instead, they can perfectly combine the two, creating beautiful memories of harmonious coexistence among humans, pets, and natural art, while injecting a warm, human touch into the cold stone of sculpture.

From a deeper cultural and social perspective, the "Pet Harmony Day" initiative aligns with the recent international museum trend advocating for equity and inclusivity. Modern museums are no longer aloof knowledge temples that keep people at a distance; they are gradually transforming into community cultural and lifestyle centers, and even public platforms for social dialogue. By attempting to allow pets into the museum, the institution proactively extends goodwill to society and accommodates more diverse groups and needs. This not only attracts younger pet owners, who are less likely to visit cultural venues, but also helps expand the base of the arts and culture audience. Furthermore, it contributes to fostering a more mature culture of animal rights and the sharing of public spaces in Taiwanese society. This limited event, which combines art, nature, and animal protection, is set to provide profound insights and a model for leisure culture and arts promotion in Taiwan.

(Source: CNA)