The National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taiwan faced terrorist threats while hosting an exhibition in the Czech Republic, prompting a strong condemnation from Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). The MAC urged for the collective protection of historical treasures and the cessation of irrational acts of violence and intimidation.
Since the 11th of this month, the NPM has been showcasing the exhibition “One Hundred Selected Masterpieces from the National Palace Museum and Their Stories” at the National Museum in the Czech Republic, delighting European audiences. Miloš Vystrčil, the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, attended the opening ceremony of the NPM exhibition, expressing that during his 2020 visit to Taiwan, he had the privilege to witness these unique exhibits firsthand. He described the exhibition as “an excellent example of cultural institutional cooperation,” demonstrating that culture can transcend continents and unite people.
The MAC received an electronic threat letter regarding the NPM exhibition in the Czech Republic. On the 23rd, the MAC stated that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture also received threatening letters from the same email account, and have informed our foreign missions and relevant agencies in the Czech Republic to enhance security measures.”
On the 22nd, the MAC received an email threat stating, “If the government continues to hold the cultural exhibition at the National Museum in the Czech Republic, there may be unexpected incidents such as arson, theft, shootings, or terrorist attacks. The government is urged to carefully consider whether the exhibition should continue.” In response to this act of terrorism, the MAC strongly condemned it.
Today, the NPM in Taiwan released a press statement indicating that after being contacted by the MAC on the 22nd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NPM had respectively informed the Representative Office in the Czech Republic and the National Museum in the Czech Republic to strengthen precautions and prevent any unexpected incidents.
In light of this, the NPM in Taiwan also held an emergency response meeting regarding the exhibition in the Czech Republic. Director Xie Zonghuang convened relevant departments such as the Registration and Preservation Department, the Artifact Department, the Painting and Calligraphy Department, the Digital Information Department, and the Ethical and Anti-corruption Affairs Office to discuss response measures. They also notified relevant domestic agencies to assist in strengthening the protection of the museum area, exhibition venues, and information systems to prevent any incidents in both the northern and southern branches of the museum.
The NPM in Taiwan mentioned that they have requested the National Museum in the Czech Republic to enhance security management, be vigilant for suspicious individuals, promptly report any concerns, maintain close communication with them, and arrange for video conferences for real-time communication and handling of matters.
The NPM in Taiwan called on the public to understand that this exhibition in the Czech Republic is a normal cultural exchange activity in the international museum community, aiming to introduce NPM artifacts to European audiences and attract tourism to Taiwan. It carries positive and benign intentions, and they look forward to receiving respect and support from all sectors.
Regarding irrational behaviors, the NPM in Taiwan collectively condemns them and will take necessary measures in response, hoping that all sectors will respect the universal values of culture.