Kaohsiung Museum of History Introduction
The Kaohsiung Museum of History is located on Zhongzheng 4th Road by the Love River in the Yancheng District. Originally the site of the Kaohsiung City Government, after its relocation in 1992, the building, which had borne the role of a municipal leader for over fifty years and held the traces of urban development and the lives of its citizens, was transformed into a museum. This site also served as a historical venue during the February 28 Incident. Both the exterior and the interior of the building encapsulate Kaohsiung's glory, scars, and past, prompting the city government to restore the heritage site as a history museum. This became the first history museum operated by a local government in Taiwan. The museum records the arduous journey of the early settlers who opened up the mountains and forests, aiming to help more citizens understand the trajectory of Kaohsiung's development through the precious artifacts displayed and various research and promotional activities. The building's exterior reflects a light green military color scheme, featuring a central main tower complemented by symmetrical side towers. The design of the central axis conveys a solemn and grand atmosphere, topped with a traditional Japanese-style four-cornered roof and glazed tiles. In 2004, the main structure was designated as an official historical site by the Kaohsiung City Government, setting a prime example of reusing historic buildings for cultural purposes. Having once acted as the lighthouse of municipal governance, it carries the living impressions and historical trajectory of Kaohsiung's citizens, and its transition in role signifies the changes and growth of Kaohsiung's urban history. The Kaohsiung Museum of History aims to preserve and promote the historical culture of the Kaohsiung area and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Its operations include specialized departments for exhibitions, promotions, and collections, focusing on the display, educational outreach, and management of historical cultural art related to Kaohsiung and Taiwan. Currently, the museum houses over 8,000 artifacts and countless exhibitions, making it a window for the public to learn about Kaohsiung's culture, an excellent educational and research center, and a repository of knowledge for studying Kaohsiung's history. It aims to become an important venue for outdoor local teaching in schools and a top intellectual and emotional tourist attraction both domestically and internationally, shaping the museum as part of the city's tourism and making museum visits a frequent, high-quality, and affordable leisure activity.
