NMH Exhibition reimagines timeless masterpieces through modern design
To mark its 70th anniversary, the National Museum of History is hosting a special exhibition that showcases how timeless masterpieces from its collection have been transformed into modern cultural and creative designs. FTV’s Stephany Yang takes us inside for a look!
The first section of the exhibition highlights fashion designers who have reimagined classic pieces from the museum’s collection into stylish contemporary creations. Notable examples include a long Chinese silk embroidered banner depicting the First Theater from the Japanese colonial era and a carved stone trough—both transformed into elegant fashion pieces.
Huang Yin-zhe
Curator
The museum invited young fashion designers to create twelve outfits inspired by twelve items from our collection. Behind me are three of the fashion designs, each incorporating elements from our collection. In particular, this outfit draws from a Chinese silk embroidered banner of the First Theater, a promotional piece from over a century ago during the Japanese colonial era. It originated from the Yongle Theater in Dadaocheng, which used such banners for advertising. We used this imagery and invited young designers to reinterpret this classic artifact from their own perspectives. While designers may initially focus on the visual aspects, the museum provides not only visual references but also insights into the deeper meanings and cultural significance behind these images and artifacts. In contemporary creative work, storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping the story behind each piece.
The exhibition is divided into six sections, each highlighting how the museum’s classic treasures have sparked fresh interpretations in modern design. The featured collections span historical artifacts, traditional handicrafts, and contemporary artworks. Many of these pieces have been reimagined as everyday objects such as home décor, fashion accessories, and multimedia installations. One standout example is a long Chinese silk embroidered banner adorned with birds and flowers—a highly prized embroidery from the Qing dynasty that has been transformed into different handicrafts.
Huang Yin-zhe
Curator
As you can see, the piece is very long—nearly five meters. It dates back over a hundred years to the Qing Dynasty and was typically displayed in the homes of wealthy families. The motifs feature many symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Many people are curious about the original artifacts behind commonly seen images on products. That’s why, for this exhibition, we’ve specially curated twelve items from our collection. These twelve artifacts are frequently referenced in visual culture, yet the originals are rarely seen. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to showcase them.
In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the National Museum of History presents a special exhibition that reimagines its timeless masterpieces as contemporary cultural and creative works. This showcase not only pays tribute to the museum’s rich heritage but also envisions innovative applications and sustainable value for the future.
Huang Yin-zhe
Curator
One of the key concepts in this exhibition is “licensing.” All of our cultural and creative derivative products are developed through authorized licensing. According to copyright law, a creator’s work enters the public domain 50 years after their death. If a museum owns the original work, it can produce high-quality photographs and make them available to the public and designers for creative use. In 2026, the museum will be able to license Liao Chi-chun’s paintings. The exhibition is built around three core principles: cross-disciplinary co-creation, brand licensing, and sustainable value. The goal is to reinterpret traditional museum artifacts in fresh ways that bring them into everyday life, helping the public connect more closely with cultural heritage.
The Classics Reimagined: Inspirations From the NMH Collection exhibition runs until November 9 at the National Museum of History.
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2025-10-14
