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nmtl

The Beginning of NMTL

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL), founded on October 17th,2003, is the first national museum dedicated to the literary arts.

The museum building has a distinguished history tracing back to 1916,when it was built to house the Tainan Prefectural Government. Reflecting contemporary European architectural styling, it is one of several well-known works by architect Moriyama Matsunosuke on the island. Other Matsunosuke projects include the current Office of the President (Sotokufu) and Control Yuan in Taipei. The building was damaged during WWII and suffered decades of neglect before serious restoration work was commenced in 1997.Reopened in 2003, the building is today afocal point of island literature,culture, architecture and history, and a successful example of both restoration and revitalization.

The NMTL records, organizes and explains Taiwan's literary heritage. Archives and displays include examples from indigenous Malayo-Polynesian cultures as well as from key periods in Taiwan history – from the Dutch, Ming/Koxinga, Qing and Japanese periods through modern times. Educational activities promote awareness of Taiwan literary traditions. The museum includes literature and children's literature reading rooms as well as a literary experience center designed to both excite and educate.

In helping spread literary knowledge and appreciation, the museum hopes to make reading and the literary arts a "friend" for life.

Birth of NMTL

1990.11The Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan held the first National Cultural Conference. Scholars and experts who attended called for a large literature archive to be established in south Taiwan.
1991The Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan held the first National Cultural Conference. Scholars and experts who attended called for a large literature archive to be established in south Taiwan.
1992.12.18Tainan City Government informed the Council for Cultural Affairs that it agreed to provide Old Tainan Prefecture Hall for the use of the "Modern Literature Archive."
1994.7The Executive Yuan included the "Modern Literature Archive" in the National Center for Research and Preservation of Cultural Properties Plan,the "Literature Historical Materials Section" was established with 100 year old Tainan Prefecture Hall as the planned base.
1995. 2.18The Executive Yuan replied to the Council for Cultural Affairs agreeing to establish the National Center for Research and Preservation of Cultural Properties.
1998As a result of the efforts of people in various circles, the "Literature Historical Materials Section" upgraded and became the "National Literature Museum" and was then named National Museum of Taiwan Literature.
1998.3.26Tainan City Council passed 「National Center for Research and Preservation of Cultural Properties base free use draft contract」
1998.5.22Tainan Mayor Chang Can-hu, Chairman of the Council for Cultural Affairs, Lin Cheng-chi, and Director of the National Center for Research and Preservation of Cultural Properties Planning Office, Lin Jin-mei, signed the "base free use contract," setting a foundation for the establishment of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (Planning Office). The former Tainan Prefecture Hall was formerly transferred.
1999-2003"Old Tainan Prefecture Hall" restoration work carried out
2003.10.8The name "National Museum of Taiwan Literature" was approved by the Executive Yuan
2003.10.17The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (Planning Office) officially opened
2007.8.13The National Museum of Taiwan Literature Planning Office stage ended. The National Museum of Taiwan Literature was established.