Kaohsiung Museum of History Introduction
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 transformed into a museum after the government relocated in 1992, reflecting over fifty years of its role in municipal governance, the trajectory of urban development, and the imprint of citizens' lives, as well as being the historical site of the 228 Incident. Both the architectural style and its meaning encapsulate Kaohsiung's glory, scars, and past. Therefore, the city government repurposed the historical building into a history museum, becoming Taiwan's first history museum operated by a local government. The museum records the arduous journey of the early settlers and aspires to help more people understand the trajectory of Kaohsiung's development through its valuable artifacts, research, and promotional activities. The building's exterior is primarily in a light green military color scheme, featuring a central tower flanked by two symmetrical bell tower-like structures. The design emphasizes a solemn and grand atmosphere, capped with a traditional Japanese-style gable roof and glazed tiles. In 2004, it was designated as a municipal historic site by the Kaohsiung City Government, setting a benchmark for the adaptive reuse of heritage sites as cultural institutions. Once a guide in municipal governance, it carries the historical trajectory and life impressions of the Kaohsiung people. This transformation signifies the changes and growth in Kaohsiung's urban history. The Kaohsiung Museum of History aims to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Kaohsiung area and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Its operational management includes specialized departments for exhibitions, promotions, and collections, engaging in the preservation and transmission of the historical and cultural arts related to Kaohsiung and Taiwan. Currently, the collection boasts over 8,000 artifacts and countless exhibitions, serving as a window for the public to understand Kaohsiung's culture, a premier educational and research center, and a knowledge repository for those studying Kaohsiung's history. It aims to become an important venue for outdoor local education, as well as a top intellectual and emotional tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors, integrating the museum into the city's tourism, making visits a frequent, high-quality, and affordable leisure activity.
