The 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan: Remembering a tragedy

The 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan: Remembering a tragedy


At 1:47 a.m. on September 21, 1999, Taiwan experienced one of its worst natural disasters of the past century--a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that devastated the central part of the island, claimed more than 2,000 lives and injured more than 8,000 others.
      
Shortly after the earthquake, the TVBS cable television network set up a foundation for contributions. Donations poured in, with more than NT$100 million being received in just over a month. After much consideration, it was decided that part of the funds should be set aside to build a memorial at the site of GuangFu Junior High School in Taichung County's Wufeng Town. Most of the school's buildings completely collapsed and its distorted and up-lifted running track was one of the most frequently recorded images from the quake.
      
Today, these collapsed buildings and topographical changes have been preserved in an outdoor museum setting as evidence of the quake's severity. Next to this is the Earthquake Images Hall. Visitors are asked to begin their tour on the second floor, featuring modern art exhibits pertaining to various aspects of the 921 Earthquake and the history of quakes in Taiwan. TV screens in the floor show news clips from coverage of the 921 Earthquake by TV stations around the world.
      
The hallway leading to the first floor has a series of photographs. One section chronicles the efforts of international rescue teams in their search for survivors, and has a memorial space, hidden behind a black curtain. In this darkened area, the names of the victims roll past on the floor. A projected image of a flickering candle provides the only other light. The final section of the hallway features very moving photos of people in front of their collapsed homes, or holding up pictures of killed loved ones. There are also photos of victim pro
tests, a reminder of the difficulties still faced by survivors.

     
On the first floor is one of the hall's most intense experiences--a quake re-enactment film shown on a large screen under a transparent floor. Visitors are asked to sit or kneel and look down at the screen--for those afraid of heights, the experience can be a little unsettling. The short film shows buildings and bridges violently shaking, then collapsing, accompanied by frighteningly realistic sound effects. 

The Earthquake Images Hall and the outdoor museum officially opened to the public on September 21, 2002. With this opening, the TVBS foundation, having spent what it could on this project, turned it over to the Ministry of Education and the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung to continue building, operation and management. The current facilities are actually just the first phase of development. To strengthen the museum's educational function, a docent center and second exhibition hall are expected to open on September 21, 2003.  

For those who experienced the 921 Earthquake, a visit here is certain to bring back a flood of memories and emotions. For those who were not directly affected, this is an opportunity to witness the devastation that an earthquake can cause, as well as the outpouring of emotion that continues to be evident even three years after the original disaster.

Jumng Museum

Jumng Museum



The only outdoor sculpture museum in Taiwan, Juming Museum is located in picturesque Jinshan, an hour's drive from Taipei City. Its vast grounds (around 32,000 ping) feature spacious outdoor exhibition areas that allow visitors to get up close to the artworks on display. The architecture, landscape design, and gardening were all carried out or overseen by Juming himself.

     I've always liked Juming's Tachi artwork. His work lets you feel a "chi" from within. And to be able to see thirty odd works by Juming displayed together at Tachi Plaza, you'll feel a majestic strength that seems--momentarily at least--to stop time in its tracks. The graceful poses transport you into the world of Tachi. Juming's simple and sharp slices create an abstract, unwavering motion in these poised sculptures. Their great force can be felt from any angle. The sculptures seem fused into the surrounding scenery; you forget yourself in this ultimate state of heaven, earth, landscape, object and man as one.

     The Human Plaza gives off a different feel. It is Juming's latest creation, and takes bits and pieces from human lives. Seemingly minimal lines embody rich human emotion. Simple facial features and postures reflect our experiences and sentiments. We are given a tool to converse with the sculptures, reminisce, and realize "this is life."

Art doesn't have to be distant. On warm days you can soak you feet in the shallow water of the Wading Zone, and play amongst Juming's sculptures. The children love it. On the other side, the blooming lotuses also have some cooling effect.

     With the blue sky, light breeze, sunshine, and distant mountains, the swans swim in leisure in the glistening Swan Pond. The children argue over whether the swans are real while the adults relax.

     While nearly 80 percent of the sculptures displayed here are outside in natural surroundings, Juming Museum also has two interior exhibition spaces. The Museum Collection Hall features works by Buffet, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Milo, Liao Ji-chun, Kuo Po-chuan, Yang Shan-liang, Hung Jui-lin, and other sculptors. The Museum Main Hall features Juming's wooden carvings and plane pieces with a section devoted to works by Juming's two teachers, Lee Jing-chuan and Yang Yin-feng.

     Juming's eldest son, Ju Chun, is also a renowned sculptor. His famous Zipper Series works can be see at the museum's outdoors exhibition space. Works such as Zipper Lotus Pond, Zipper Stone, and Zipper Tent add a sense of amusement to the museum.

     The museum becomes even more alive with the Art Performance Zone, used by performance art groups. The combination of still and moving art gives visitors an enriched experience, as well as another reason for a repeat visit.

     To bring the art back with you, pick up a souvenir at the gift shop. The two dining areas let visitors feast in a natural, artistic environment. Just sitting quietly in the gazebo or in the chairs by the sculptures is pure joy.

     Visit the mountainside Juming Museum, roam through the artworks and endless green grass, experience the majestic presence of Juming's sculptures, and feel the confluence of nature and man. It is an unforgettable experience, and always well worth the trip. Drive or take the 8:40 am or 1:10 pm Art Bus from Taipei Fine Arts Museum.