Culture Minister Shih Che commenced his European tour on Sep. 12. Following his visit to the Czech Republic, he set off for the Netherlands on Sep. 14. Minister Shih visited the Rijksmuseum and was received by the museum's general director Taco Dibbits. They discussed exhibition collaborations between the Rijksmuseum and the National Museum of Taiwan History (NMTH).
Minister Shih stated that the NMTH is set to launch the “1624 Special Exhibition” at the end of this year, featuring its 17th-century ancient book collection, titled "Begin ende voortgangh van de Vereenighde Nederlantsche Geoctroyeerde Oost-Indische Compagnie (荷蘭聯合東印度公司的起源與發展)." In addition, the Rijksmuseum granted permission for the exhibition to use over ten images of its paintings and cultural relics collections, including an oil painting by Dutch landscape master Aelbert Cuyp.
Minister Shih noted that next year marks the 400th anniversary of the initial encounter between the two countries, and the Netherlands will be the theme country at the 2024 Taipei International Book Fair (TiBE). Additionally, the TiBE will facilitate the collaborations between the NMTH and the Rijksmuseum to launch the “1624 Special Exhibition.”
The Minister believes that the year 1624 is the beginning of Taiwan interacting with the world, which signifies a crucial point in the country’s historical development. Today, Taiwan's democracy and diversity are widely recognized on the global stage. Taiwan should confidently and actively engage with the international community, showcasing the cultural achievements of its democratic and diverse society.
Minister Shih proceeded to visit Netherland’s Museum of Literature (Literatuurmuseum)/Children's Book Museum (Kinderboekenmuseum). Opened in 1994, the Children's Book Museum is part of the Museum of Literature, aiming to bring stories from Dutch literature to life. It serves as a great inspiration for Taiwan’s National Children's Future Museum.
In addition, the Minister visited a base established by the Ministry of Culture to facilitate the Taiwan-Netherlands new media art exchange. He also toured the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the world's first museum to publicly display its entire collection.