Department Introduction
In 1975, after the passing of President Chiang Kai-shek, the Executive Yuan established a preparatory team to promote construction of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which was completed in 1980. The park includes the Liberty Square Archway, Main Plaza, Hall, National Theater, National Concert Hall, corner cloister pavilions, and so on.
In 2007, the name “Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was changed to “National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall,” and the characters “Impartial and Righteous” cast on the Archway were changed to “Liberty Square.”
In 2009, the Hall reverted to its original name. It has remained a place dedicated to the struggle against authoritarianism. In 2017, the Legislative Yuan passed “The Act on Promoting Transitional Justice,” entering Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall into a stage of transformation.
In 1998, after the lifting of martial law and with Taiwan’s democratic transformation, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall’s Main Plaza and its surrounding space became a place for protesters to gather, as part of movements such as the “Tiananmen Square protests” in 1989, Wild Lily student movement in 1990, support for the Anti-Extradition Movement anniversary protests in Hong Kong in 2020, etc. The Hall is a venue for witnessing Taiwan’s democratic transformation and diversity of values.
Hundreds of cultural-arts exhibitions and performances are hosted in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall every year, including exhibitions of paintings, photography, calligraphy, engravings, sculptures, and mixed-media art, along with performing arts shows. The richness and diversity of its cultural-arts events has made the CKSMH a significant venue for art exhibitions and cultural performances in Taiwan. As an important historical venue for witnessing the democratic development of Taiwan, the CKSMH has actively organized exhibitions to advance reflection and speculation concerning human rights.
The CKSMH meticulously plans nearly a thousand extension education sessions and study activities annually to provide self-learning opportunities for all age groups. The natural and cultural resources of the CKSMH make it an excellent place for field trips by Taipei Metro Area elementary and middle schools. It received Environmental Educational Facility certification and actively promote environmental education. The park contains lush grassy areas and luxuriant trees and flowers, providing ever-changing charms throughout the seasons. There is a variety of garden landscaping, ponds, and bird, fish, and insect eco-abundance in the park, making it a fine place for the public to come play Chinese chess, exercise, and stroll, getting close to nature and enjoying cultural sightseeing.
Museum Island