Kaohsiung Museum of History Introduction
The Kaohsiung Museum of History is located on Zhongzheng Fourth Road by the Love River in Yancheng District. Originally the site of the Kaohsiung City Government, it was transformed into a history museum after the government relocated in 1992. Given its role as the municipal hub for over fifty years and its significance in the trajectory of urban development and the lives of residents, as well as being a historical site during the 228 Incident, the building embodies the glory, scars, and past of Kaohsiung. As a result, the government repurposed the historic site into a museum, making it Taiwan's first history museum operated by a local government. The museum records the arduous journey of early settlers who carved out a living in the wilderness, aiming to help the public understand the development trajectory of Kaohsiung through precious artifacts and various research and promotional activities displayed in the museum. The building features a light green military color scheme and adopts a central main tower shape with symmetrical towers on both sides. The axial design conveys a solemn and grand atmosphere, topped with traditional Japanese four-corner gables and glazed tile roofs. In 2004, the main building was designated as a city historical site by the Kaohsiung City Government, serving as a prime example of repurposing historical monuments for cultural use. Once a navigator of municipal administration, it carries the life impressions and historical trajectory of the citizens of Kaohsiung, with its transformation symbolizing the changes and growth in the history of the city. The mission of the Kaohsiung Museum of History is to preserve and promote the historical culture of the Kaohsiung area and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The museum has established professional departments for exhibitions, promotions, and collections, engaging in preservation and transmission work related to the history, culture, and arts of Kaohsiung and Taiwan, including educational promotion and artifact management. With a collection of over 8,000 artifacts and countless exhibitions, it serves as a window for the public to understand Kaohsiung's culture, a premier educational and research center, and a knowledge repository for those studying the history of Kaohsiung. It aims to become an important venue for outdoor local teaching for schools and a top intellectual and emotional tourist destination both domestically and internationally, shaping the museum as part of urban tourism and making museum visits a frequent, upscale, and affordable daily leisure activity.
