Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is a museum in Taibao City, Chiayi County, Taiwan

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (NPMSB) is located in Taibao City, Chiayi County near THSR Chiayi Station. Other than the museum building, a man-made lake stands right in the center of the NPMSB compound. A scenic bridge crossing the southern part of the lake leads to the museum’s reception hall on the second floor.

Inspired by three traditional Chinese painting styles - thick ink, "flying white" and ink wash, the NPMSB compound is divided into the sturdy space for display and archival purposes, and the fluid space for public receptions and walk-throughs. Elements of Chinese, Indian and Persian cultures are woven into a tapestry of Asian civilizations here. The museum building’s two streamlined masses remind visitors of the cultural symbols of dragon, elephant and horse. In continuation of the building’s dynamic style, the scenic bridge looks just like some Chinese cursive script. The bridge’s rhythmic passageway seems to be encouraging visitors to enter the museum, by taking a most unique and comfortable walk.