Department of Cultural Affairs

By Psyche Cho
Staff Reporter

A retrospective presenting an overview of Taipei City's development over the past century is currently being shown at Bopiliao Historic Block, on view until September 28. Visitors will find dozens of firsts for Taipei in the exhibition, including the first Japonica rice sample, the first permit for a land development company, the first Confucius Temple and the first hot springs hotel.

Organized by Taipei City Archives, the exhibition is partly in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the archives' foundation in 1952. "The maintenance of Taipei City's important memories rely on the dedication of Taipei City Archives," said Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin on the opening ceremony on August 11.

"Knowing the history of Taipei will help citizens to develop a sense of identity with the city," said Hau, adding that "and that affection is Taipei's most precious treasure."

In the future, the organization will take a more innovative pathway beyond collecting cultural legacies. One direction will be the 'first' honors won by the capital city like the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition and the Taipei World Design Expo 2011, said Hau.

Over 600 old photos, postcards and mementos are on display under the five themes of culture, development, civil affairs, living, and nature stories. Visitors will discover 60 stories about Taipei's first street, first western-styled hotel, first urban park, first green library, and more.

Meanwhile, there are 25 digital photo frames presenting series of priceless documents of excavations, calligraphy, paintings, maps, and other historical objects in the venue.

Taipei Cultural Commissioner Liu Wei-gong declared in the opening ceremony that Taipei City Archives will move into Wanhua Plaza No. 406 in the end of this year, looking forward to another 60 years of service and growth.

Bopiliao Historic Block is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; closed on Monday.