Prehistory museum reopening highlights Taiwan’s Austronesian roots

via Focus Taiwan, 16 May 2023: The National Museum of Prehistory in Taitung, Taiwan, will reopen after three years of renovation, coinciding with International Museum Day, to showcase the historical artifacts proving the arrival of Austronesian settlers in Taiwan 30,000 years ago and to highlight Taiwan’s cultural connections to Austronesian peoples worldwide, with exhibits ranging from ancient stone tools to contemporary items including sports memorabilia and awards.

The National Museum of Prehistory in Taitung will reopen on May 19, the Ministry of Culture said Tuesday, and it urged people to visit the museum to learn about Taiwan’s links to Austronesian peoples worldwide.

The museum will reopen on Friday after being closed for almost three years as its interior, including its exhibition spaces, underwent a renovation, museum Director Wang Chang-hua (王長華) said at a news conference in Taipei.

According to the ministry, the museum’s reopening was timed to coincide with International Museum Day, which is observed on May 18.

Over the past three decades, archeologists have unearthed historically significant artifacts in Taiwan offering proof that Austronesian settlers arrived in Taiwan by sea as early as 30,000 years ago, Wang said.

Source: Prehistory museum reopening highlights Taiwan’s Austronesian roots – Focus Taiwan