Department of Cultural Affairs

Since 1977, May 18th has been designated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) as International Museum Day, encouraging countries to focus on museums and cultural enterprises in order to promote the healthy growth of the museum industry. 

The theme of this year’s Taipei International Museum Day is “Museums for Education and Research”, emphasizing the crucial role of cultural institutions in providing holistic educational experiences. Contemporary museums not only preserve historical memory but also involve the public in shaping contemporary meanings and perspectives to encourage a diverse array of cultural experiences.

In response to the theme of this year’s International Museum Day, the Taipei 518 International Museum Day is embracing the theme “Museums Lead the Way”, creating a cultural atmosphere for all people of ages by linking various cultural venues in Taipei City, including hosting a museum market, designing 10 hands-on museum experiences, and launching limited-edition collaborative products alongside hands-on activities. 

We see museums as guides for exploring urban narratives, and cities as being ripe for adventure and discovery. Using a broad range of venues and activities, we aim to lead the public on a journey of exploration starting from the 518 International Museum Day series and gradually unspooling their own exploration of Taipei’s cultural venues according to their own interests.

Themed Activity: Fun Museum Market

How do you think about museums? To broaden public understanding of the role of museums, this year’s Museum Day series features the Fun Museum Market, Fun @ The Museum event. Taipei’s cultural venues will be showcased at the market, together with live performances by independent musicians and a range of activities such as art, music, and body movement workshops. Through these activities, the public are invited to use their body and their senses to explore museums and re-envision their role.

Venue-linked Activities: Cultural Experience Workshops

Museums belong to all of us, and they have activities for everyone, regardless of age. This year’s Museum Day is focused on “participation for all ages, learning for all ages”, blending the highlights and distinctive features of Taipei museums. 

We’ve chosen eight venues and crafted 10 venue-specific activities and are inviting people of all ages to come and enjoy a cultural experience. Whether you’re young or old, single or part of a family, there are activities suitable for you. 

The cultural experience workshops cover themes like theater arts, historical culture, and art experiences rooted in daily life to make cultural venues, which are often perceived as “repositories of knowledge”, more accessible. Participants can engage in a wide range of activities, such as crafts, writing, floral art, and open theater experiences, to expand their understanding of museums while discovering their unique features.

Museum-themed Crayons

How do you picture museums? Perhaps the red bricks and Japanese-style gray tiles of Beitou Hot Spring Museum? Or the lush greenery of Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden? 

This year’s Museum Day is not only bringing people to cultural venues but also allowing them to take home impressions. In collaboration with the Simbalion Art Studio, a limited-edition crayon set inspired by the unique architectural colors of Taipei City museums has been created. Each of the 12 colors represents something about the charm and cultural heritage of Taipei museums. We hope you can use these colorful crayons to reimagine museums and draw your dream museum. (Supplies of this free promotional set are limited, so sign up while stocks last.)

We want to share the beauty and culture of Taipei City museums with more people so that together we can experiencing art’s charms and warmth. For further information and event registration, visit the Taipei 518 International Museum Day fan page.