Southern Branch of National Palace Museum Gains Attention for Sharing Architect with NVIDIA Taiwan HQ
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, opened in 2015, has regained attention because it shares the same architect, Yao Renxi, as NVIDIA's Taiwan headquarters. The Chiayi County Tourism Bureau noted that the museum's architecture incorporates calligraphy art concepts. A second building, the National Treasure Restoration Exhibition Hall, is under construction and is expected to be completed in July 2027.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 11:40
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(Central News Agency, Chiayi County, 4th) The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, which opened in 2015, features a flowing architectural form that appears to float on water, making it a popular attraction for visitors to Chiayi. The Chiayi County Tourism Bureau stated that the museum has recently regained attention because it shares the same architect, Yao Renxi, as NVIDIA's Taiwan headquarters.
The Chiayi County Tourism Bureau told CNA that following NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's announcement that the Taiwan headquarters would be designed by Yao Renxi, the public has also taken notice of Yao's important work in Chiayi, the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, which is one of Taiwan's key cultural landmarks.
National Palace Museum Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai explained that the overall design of the Southern Branch extends the abstract concept of calligraphy art. Using three Chinese calligraphy brushstroke techniques—thick ink, flying white, and wash—the museum forms three interwoven volumes. The flowing, cloud-and-water-like architectural form serves as a metaphor for the cultural symbols of the "dragon," "elephant," and "horse," intersecting without mixing.
Huang pointed out that the "thick ink" section is the "solid volume" on the west side, housing the collection and exhibition spaces. Due to functional needs, this volume has very few openings and is covered with cast aluminum discs. The "flying white" section is the "void volume" on the east side, containing public service and office spaces. To provide optimal outdoor views, it features deep, sun-shading structural window frames that create a graceful, curved rhythm.
Furthermore, the "wash" section is the "intermediate volume" between the two, starting at the southern end's landscape bridge, passing through the solid and void volumes, and ending at the northern lakeshore. It uses a cylindrical structure that balances natural lighting and sunshading.
Huang said that a second building, the National Treasure Restoration Exhibition Hall, is currently under construction. Designed by M.L. Chang & Y.L. Chen Architects & Associates, its core concept is "Green Shore, Ink Wash, Green Treasure Box." The "Green Shore" of Zhishan Lake is seen as a source of inspiration; "Ink Wash" signifies a continuation of the first building's streamlined form; and the main structure itself becomes a "Green Treasure Box," perfectly adapting to the surrounding environmental texture.
Huang noted that the construction of the second building is commissioned to the National Land Management Agency. It is scheduled for completion in July 2027, followed by interior decoration, exhibition setup, and other work, with a target to open and begin operations in 2028.
The Tourism Bureau stated that the Southern Branch offers different charms in the morning and evening. Especially at dusk, when the sunset reflects on Zhishan Lake, it is an excellent time for viewing. Visitors to the Southern Branch can not only see exhibitions but also immerse themselves in the beauty of the architecture. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150604
The Chiayi County Tourism Bureau told CNA that following NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's announcement that the Taiwan headquarters would be designed by Yao Renxi, the public has also taken notice of Yao's important work in Chiayi, the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, which is one of Taiwan's key cultural landmarks.
National Palace Museum Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai explained that the overall design of the Southern Branch extends the abstract concept of calligraphy art. Using three Chinese calligraphy brushstroke techniques—thick ink, flying white, and wash—the museum forms three interwoven volumes. The flowing, cloud-and-water-like architectural form serves as a metaphor for the cultural symbols of the "dragon," "elephant," and "horse," intersecting without mixing.
Huang pointed out that the "thick ink" section is the "solid volume" on the west side, housing the collection and exhibition spaces. Due to functional needs, this volume has very few openings and is covered with cast aluminum discs. The "flying white" section is the "void volume" on the east side, containing public service and office spaces. To provide optimal outdoor views, it features deep, sun-shading structural window frames that create a graceful, curved rhythm.
Furthermore, the "wash" section is the "intermediate volume" between the two, starting at the southern end's landscape bridge, passing through the solid and void volumes, and ending at the northern lakeshore. It uses a cylindrical structure that balances natural lighting and sunshading.
Huang said that a second building, the National Treasure Restoration Exhibition Hall, is currently under construction. Designed by M.L. Chang & Y.L. Chen Architects & Associates, its core concept is "Green Shore, Ink Wash, Green Treasure Box." The "Green Shore" of Zhishan Lake is seen as a source of inspiration; "Ink Wash" signifies a continuation of the first building's streamlined form; and the main structure itself becomes a "Green Treasure Box," perfectly adapting to the surrounding environmental texture.
Huang noted that the construction of the second building is commissioned to the National Land Management Agency. It is scheduled for completion in July 2027, followed by interior decoration, exhibition setup, and other work, with a target to open and begin operations in 2028.
The Tourism Bureau stated that the Southern Branch offers different charms in the morning and evening. Especially at dusk, when the sunset reflects on Zhishan Lake, it is an excellent time for viewing. Visitors to the Southern Branch can not only see exhibitions but also immerse themselves in the beauty of the architecture. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150604