Wenshan Civic Center Introduction
Originally an old and unused principal's dormitory of Muzha Elementary School, it has been renovated and transformed into an elegant building that harmoniously blends traditional Japanese simplicity with modernity, symbolizing the continuity and integration of old and new. The establishment of the Wenshan Citizen Hall involved a challenging process, beginning with the coordination meeting for the land proposal in May 1999. Through numerous workshops with local leaders, public hearings, and overall planning meetings involving community planners, civil society representatives, parents from the school, and local residents, a consensus on the planning for reconstruction and utilization was reached. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2002, followed by a grand opening ceremony on October 19 of the same year. Thus, the meticulously constructed Japanese architecture from 1927 has received a new look, taking on the important mission of developing local cultural history, industry characteristics, and fostering community awareness, making it one of the best examples of repurposing unused space. Muzha Elementary School was established six years before the end of Japanese rule and was originally a branch of Jingwei Public School. Principal Liu Shanming took over as the second principal in 1946, actively participating in local public affairs and nurturing countless talents, earning deep respect as an educator in the Muzha community. He retired in 1969 and passed away in 1982, while his wife continued to live in the principal's old dormitory filled with half a lifetime of memories until her death in 1992, after which the old dormitory was left unused. The Citizen Hall is located directly opposite the administrative center of Wenshan District, adjacent to Muzha Elementary School, and bordered by Jingmei River to the east, covering an area of 636 square meters. The internal and external spaces are divided into a service desk, a lecture hall, an outdoor plaza, and a diverse outdoor plaza that can be used for teaching, public art, large tree classrooms, and various exhibition spaces, embodying significant local and cultural values. The new hall is a two-story building that not only showcases the history of the area, its political development, historical photographs, and local industry features but also periodically invites artists, cultural workers, and community groups to hold various art exhibitions on the first and second floors, while also providing rental services. The old hall, renovated from the traditional Japanese architecture, serves as an open exhibition space and is available for public and group rentals for discussions, book clubs, and other intellectual activities. Wenshan is a beautiful place rich in culture and history, known for its scenic mountains and waters. A visit to the elegant and timeless Citizen Hall allows you to explore the past and present of Wenshan while experiencing the beauty and historical significance of this elegant building. We warmly welcome all citizens to visit!
