The National Museum of Prehistory (NMP; ) is located in Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan.
History In 1980, during the construction of the South-Link Line, building work uncovered prehistoric remains on the Beinan Site (卑南遺址). Many slate coffins and artifacts were discovered, and after a proposal by the Taitung City Government, construction of Taitung Station was halted. For 10 years, a National Taiwan University-led team excavated the site and uncovered over 1,500 burials and tens of thousands of artifacts. The site is widely regarded as the most important site of the mid-Neolithic age in Taiwan, and was then later transformed into the Beinan Cultural Park.
An outdoor museum was proposed and approved in 1990. Trial operations began on July 10, 2001, and the museum officially opened on August 17, 2002.
The museum underwent renovation starting on 31 May 2020.
Architecture The museum was designed by American architect Michael Graves and is situated on a parcel of land.
The museum is divided into several sections, including: Sun Square Mountain Square Administrative Building Scenic Garden Children's Play Area The Maze Water Fountain Show Bird Singing Square Sightseeing Hill.
Exhibitions Natural History of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London Prehistory of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan designed by MET Studio, London
Transportation The museum is accessible within walking distance from Kangle Station of Taiwan Railway.
Branches Museum of Archaeology in Tainan
See also List of museums in Taiwan Beinan Cultural Park
References