Kaohsiung Museum of History Introduction
The Kaohsiung Museum of History is located on Zhongzheng 4th Road by the Love River in Yancheng District. Originally the site of the Kaohsiung City Government, it was repurposed as a history museum after the government moved in 1992. This location has been at the forefront of local governance for over fifty years, carrying the traces of urban development and the memories of citizens' lives. It is also a historical site related to the February 28 Incident. The architecture reflects Kaohsiung's glory, scars, and past, leading the city government to renovate the historic building into a museum, making it the first history museum operated by a local government in Taiwan. The museum records the arduous journey of the early settlers and aims to help more people understand the development trajectory of Kaohsiung through its precious artifacts and various research and promotional activities. The building's exterior is characterized by a light green military color scheme, featuring a central tower complemented by symmetrical towers on both sides, conveying a solemn and grand atmosphere through its axial design. Topped with a traditional Japanese four-cornered gable and glazed tiles, the main structure was designated as a city historical site by the Kaohsiung City Government in 2004, serving as an exemplary model of the adaptive reuse of historical buildings as cultural spaces. Having once played a crucial role in municipal leadership, it also embodies the life impressions and historical traces of Kaohsiung residents. This transition signifies the changes and growth in Kaohsiung’s urban history. The Kaohsiung Museum of History aims to preserve and promote the historical culture of the Kaohsiung area while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. Its operational management includes professional departments for exhibitions, promotions, and collections, engaging in the preservation and transmission of historical and cultural arts related to Kaohsiung and Taiwan. Currently housing over 8,000 artifacts and hosting numerous exhibitions, it serves as a window for the public to understand Kaohsiung's culture, a premier educational research center, and a knowledge repository for the study of Kaohsiung's history. It is expected to become an important venue for outdoor indigenous teaching for schools and a top intellectual and emotional tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors, integrating the museum into the city’s tourism while making museum visits a frequent, upscale, and affordable leisure activity.
