In collaboration with the Museum of Czech Literature and several cultural institutions of the Czech Republic, the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) launched the exhibition “Typeset Hopes and Dreams: Exhibition on Contemporary Czech Literature (打字機也會唱歌：捷克現當代文學展)” on Dec. 6.
The exhibition, featuring renowned writers such as Franz Kafka, Jaroslav Hašek, and Milan Kundera, showcases their works, manuscripts, as well as various artifacts, including photographs and typewriters.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hwi stated that this exhibition marks the third collaboration this year between the ministry and the Czech Republic, aiming to underscore the connections between the literatures of Taiwan and Czechia.
NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) noted that the museum has maintained close ties with the Czech literary scene since its inauguration, fostering cultural exchange through initiatives such as translator residency programs and translation projects.
David Steinke, representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, shared the importance of typewriters in Czech literature and the challenges of publishing books under an oppressive regime. He hoped that the exhibition would transcend geographical boundaries and introduce visitors to the historical similarities between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
The exhibition runs until Mar. 2, 2025. For more information, visit the NMTL’s official website and Facebook page.