Exhibitions Now On
National Museum of Natural Science (NMNS 科博館) "Whale Excavation (鯨掘)" Special Exhibition
The highly anticipated baleen whale fossil unearthed in Hengchun (恆春), Pingtung in 2022 makes its public debut this summer! As the summer vacation begins, the National Museum of Natural Science (國立自然科學博物館) proudly presents the "Whale Excavation (鯨掘)" Special Exhibition. Through multimedia technology, immersive space design, and live fossil preparation, the exhibition showcases the magnificent journey of "the most complete baleen whale fossil in Taiwan's history" from deep within the strata to its reappearance. The exhibition focuses on the discovery, excavation, and preparation of the fossil, while extending to discuss the natural history, cultural significance, and contemporary marine environment of cetaceans in Taiwan. Visitors can view precious cetacean fossils, archaeological, and cultural-historical specimens, and experience the ancient journey of cetaceans.
This baleen whale fossil is the first of three major fossil discoveries in Taiwan to be led by a local academic team and is one of the most complete baleen whale fossils discovered in the world to date.
The visual design of the "Whale Excavation" Special Exhibition uses blue tones to create an oceanic atmosphere, inspired by the famous whalebone torii (鯨骨鳥居) of the Eluanbi Shrine (鵝鑾鼻神社) in Kenting, Hengchun, to create an entrance image symbolizing the start of a "whale-watching" journey through time and space. The exhibition is divided into 5 units: "Taiwan's Past and Present," "Fossil Treasure House," "Whale Life, Whale World," "New White Whale Story," and "Whale and Beyond," analyzing the close connection between cetaceans and Taiwan from geological, paleontological, cultural-historical, and contemporary marine perspectives.
The curatorial team has specially built a fossil preparation demonstration room within the exhibition hall, with professional preparators scheduled to stay during the exhibition to continue cleaning the 18-meter-long whale fossil. Visitors can observe the actual preparation of ancient fossils through glass windows and explore the stories of the era behind the ancient whales.
Records of Taiwan's surrounding waters show that more than 30 species of cetaceans thrive here, making it an important habitat for global cetacean diversity. In the past, marine conservation education focused mostly on the impact of modern human activities on cetaceans. This special exhibition extends the timeline to 100,000 years ago, revealing that the Hengchun West Terrace (恆春西台地) was once the final resting place for tens of thousands of cetaceans, reflecting that this area has been a key area for cetacean migration and habitat since ancient times.
Culturally, cetaceans are often linked to natural forces, legends, and beliefs, playing an important role. This special exhibition not only starts from geological and biological perspectives but also conveys the importance of cetaceans to Taiwan through cultural, folkloric, and historical viewpoints.
The "Whale Excavation" Special Exhibition is on display at the NMNS Special Exhibition Room 4 from now until May 3, 2026. We look forward to this ancient giant whale, which has slept for tens of thousands of years, re-opening people's deep exploration of the land and sea, and reflecting on the sustainable relationship between us and nature.
This baleen whale fossil is the first of three major fossil discoveries in Taiwan to be led by a local academic team and is one of the most complete baleen whale fossils discovered in the world to date.
The visual design of the "Whale Excavation" Special Exhibition uses blue tones to create an oceanic atmosphere, inspired by the famous whalebone torii (鯨骨鳥居) of the Eluanbi Shrine (鵝鑾鼻神社) in Kenting, Hengchun, to create an entrance image symbolizing the start of a "whale-watching" journey through time and space. The exhibition is divided into 5 units: "Taiwan's Past and Present," "Fossil Treasure House," "Whale Life, Whale World," "New White Whale Story," and "Whale and Beyond," analyzing the close connection between cetaceans and Taiwan from geological, paleontological, cultural-historical, and contemporary marine perspectives.
The curatorial team has specially built a fossil preparation demonstration room within the exhibition hall, with professional preparators scheduled to stay during the exhibition to continue cleaning the 18-meter-long whale fossil. Visitors can observe the actual preparation of ancient fossils through glass windows and explore the stories of the era behind the ancient whales.
Records of Taiwan's surrounding waters show that more than 30 species of cetaceans thrive here, making it an important habitat for global cetacean diversity. In the past, marine conservation education focused mostly on the impact of modern human activities on cetaceans. This special exhibition extends the timeline to 100,000 years ago, revealing that the Hengchun West Terrace (恆春西台地) was once the final resting place for tens of thousands of cetaceans, reflecting that this area has been a key area for cetacean migration and habitat since ancient times.
Culturally, cetaceans are often linked to natural forces, legends, and beliefs, playing an important role. This special exhibition not only starts from geological and biological perspectives but also conveys the importance of cetaceans to Taiwan through cultural, folkloric, and historical viewpoints.
The "Whale Excavation" Special Exhibition is on display at the NMNS Special Exhibition Room 4 from now until May 3, 2026. We look forward to this ancient giant whale, which has slept for tens of thousands of years, re-opening people's deep exploration of the land and sea, and reflecting on the sustainable relationship between us and nature.
Event Details
- 2025-06-27 — 第四特展室 · 憑恐龍卡或展示場門票即可入場觀展 票價參考：https://www.nmns.edu.tw/ch/visit/ticket/