Renovation of National Palace Museum

Project Objectives

The renovation was guided by a commitment to maintaining the building’s original exterior while addressing several critical issues: limited exhibition space, chaotic and mixed-use entrance plaza, convoluted circulation routes, and insufficient seismic performance. The project also sought to improve the overall visitor experience and quality of public services.

Previously, the entrance plaza was congested with both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The redesign introduces a dedicated underground arrival hall and vehicle circulation system beneath the plaza. Tour buses, public transit, and private vehicles are directed to this subterranean level, allowing visitors to ascend directly to the main lobby via escalators—successfully separating vehicular and pedestrian flows.

A New Civic Forecourt

The ground-level plaza has been transformed into a pedestrian-only open space, offering scenic views, photo opportunities, and areas for rest and social interaction.

An Expanded Main Lobby

The first-floor lobby has been nearly tripled in size, creating a more spacious arrival zone. It now includes a multimedia orientation theater, information desk, and gift shop—enhancing wayfinding and hospitality functions. A wide central staircase connects the first level to the second and third-floor galleries, forming the core of the new circulation system and a visual anchor for the interior. A skylight above the stairwell introduces natural light, creating a dialogue between traditional art and contemporary spatial design.

Structural and Infrastructure Upgrades

Seismic reinforcement, waterproofing, and comprehensive MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) system upgrades were executed throughout the building to improve safety and ensure the protection of both visitors and priceless artifacts. The design carefully preserved the traditional architectural façade and rooflines to retain the museum’s cultural identity.

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