Taiwan's art scene is about to experience a significant transformation with the opening of the New Taipei City Art Museum (NTCAM) on April 25, 2025. Announced by Mayor Hou Yu-ih on January 9, this groundbreaking cultural institution represents the city's first public art museum and promises to redefine the relationship between art, community, and urban development.
The New Taipei City Art Museum, located in Yingge and approximately 30 minutes from both Taoyuan International Airport and downtown Taipei. (Image courtesy of New Taipei City Art Museum / Photo by Hideaki Hamada)
A Community-Centered Cultural Landmark
Located in the picturesque Yingge District, just a 30-minute drive from Taipei, NTCAM sits at the confluence of the Yingge and Dahan Rivers in the Sanying Reclaimed Land. The museum isn't merely a building housing art collections; it's conceptualized as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement between citizens, artists, and the broader community.
"We want to be a responsive institution that listens to our community," explains Director LAI Hsiang-ling. "By taking an inclusive approach and encouraging dialogue between different groups, we aspire to make a meaningful impact on society."
The public will have an early opportunity to explore the museum during a special preview period from April 8 to April 13, before the official opening.
Lai Hsiang-ling, the inaugural director of the New Taipei City Art Museum. (Image courtesy of New Taipei City Art Museum / Photo by Terry LIN)
Local Roots with Global Vision
As New Taipei City's first contemporary art museum, NTCAM aims to serve local residents while promoting diverse artistic voices. The institution balances its commitment to local cultural development with an ambitious international outlook, building partnerships that connect New Taipei City's art scene with global perspectives.
This approach allows the museum to explore how local issues intersect with global themes, exemplifying a contemporary museum's role in both public engagement and professional arts development. The project represents a significant cultural initiative by the New Taipei City Government, designed to promote local development and urban renewal.
Reimagining the Public Art Museum Experience
NTCAM distinguishes itself through its commitment to accessibility, education, and community involvement. The museum prioritizes talent cultivation and innovative models for public participation, offering comprehensive programs for visitors of all ages, including family-friendly spaces and educational activities.
Artist residencies and interactive programs enable visitors to engage directly with creative processes and cultural exchange, transforming the traditional museum experience into something more dynamic and participatory.
The architecture of the New Taipei City Art Museum responds to the riverbed textures of its riverside location. (Image courtesy of New Taipei City Art Museum / Photo by Hideaki Hamada)
The interior of the gallery space. (Image courtesy of New Taipei City Art Museum / Photo by LU Gou-way)
Inaugural Exhibitions: Reflecting Present, Envisioning Future
The museum's opening is marked by five major exhibitions that embody its vision and values:
"NTCAM Collection: Encounters in Reflection" explores New Taipei City's artistic heritage
"Reimagining Radical Cities" connects local and global art perspectives through international collaboration
"The Ongoing Nature" offers an interactive experience where visitors can participate in art making
"Xindian Boys: Don't Worry, Baby," a commissioned project in the museum's Gray Box Space
Additional art projects throughout the lobby and corridors
Together, these exhibitions serve as vessels for artistic exchange and catalysts for creative inspiration, highlighting both local culture and global themes.
International Advisory Committee
NTCAM benefits from the guidance of an International Advisory Committee comprising distinguished art professionals: Patrick Flores (National Gallery Singapore), Aric Chen (Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam), Hanru Hou (independent curator), Mami Kataoka (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo), and Clara Kim (Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles). Their collective expertise helps bridge global art trends and cultural systems, providing strategic guidance and fostering international collaborations.
New Taipei City Art Museum (NTCAM)
Opening Date: April 25, 2025
Soft Opening Preview: April 8-13, 2025
Location: Yingge District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Director: LAI Hsiang-ling
Website: https://ntcart.museum/EN
