“A good museum isn’t just about the scale or fame of its collection,” Kristin Chun-Chi Lin, CEO of Shung Ye Group, once said in an interview.
“To me, the real significance of a museum lies within the connection between its works and its audience. It would be wonderful if we could establish this special bond between the art and the individual.”
(Photo Source: Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Fine Arts Official Website)
Opened in June 2020, the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Fine Arts certainly provides for more than just an aesthetic experience.
Under the direction of its founder and art collector Ching-Fu Lin, and curator Kristin Chun-Chi Lin, the museum is home to hundreds of authentic piece of art showcasing Taiwanese beauty and energy in various forms, while at the same time promoting and reinforcing local culture.
With its educational mission, the museum has also been actively partnering with primary and secondary schools all over Taiwan, fostering an increased awareness and understanding of local history, culture, and most importantly, a sense of identity among the Taiwanese youth.
Shung Ye Museum consists of three floors: the first floor includes a multi-purpose room where lectures and workshops take place, the second floor holds the museum’s permanent collection, and the third floor is used for special exhibitions that change every few months.
Upon entering the venue and purchasing your ticket, you will be guided to a spacious room where you will be shown a video introducing the history, values, and mission of the museum, adding depth to your tour.
Heading to the permanent exhibition on the second floor, you will encounter a number of classic artwork created by some of Taiwan’s most renowned artists.
Additionally, the museum provides an innovative online voice guide system: simply scan the QR code beside the artwork and you will receive a detailed explanation of the piece before you.
The guide is offered in three languages (Mandarin, English, and Japanese) throughout the entire museum, making it extremely convenient for local and foreign visitors alike.
There is also a “time capsule” dedicated to Ching-Fu Lin, the museum’s founder, showcasing a number of his personal objects, artworks, and an interactive timeline that tell his life story.
Lin even composed his own music titled March On, Formosa! , a piece filled with Taiwanese melodic motifs. The track can be played on site with the simple press of a button.
A stunning interactive wall is located on the second floor as well, at which viewers can click on the artworks on the screen and learn about the details behind each piece.
On the third floor lies the current special exhibition titled Song of Formosa, arranged in a particular fashion that heightens the viewing experience.
Upon entering the space, you will first find yourself surrounded by Taiwanese mountain views.
Moving inward, the scenery gradually changes from mountains to Taiwanese towns and cities.
The exhibition comes to a close as you reach the coastal areas of Taiwan.
There is also a range of souvenirs available for purchase across the reception on the first floor, so before you leave the venue, why not take a snippet of Taiwanese memories with you to mark the experience, and then extending your journey afterwards by going on a casual stroll in the historic neighborhood surrounding the museum.
Take in the local architecture and street views as you digest your experience at the museum, and discover your own unique bond with Taiwan.
[Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Fine Arts]
Address: No. 5, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan
Contact Number: (02)2381-8322
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9AM – 5PM
Current Special Exhibition: Song of Formosa, Jun. 10, 2020 – May 30, 2021
Admission Fee: 100 NTD per person
Official Website: here (Chinese only)
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