The Taichung City Government aims to develop the animation industry. In April this year, the city hall successfully secured the location of the "National Taiwan Museum of Comics" in the Taichung Penal Service Building Complex and joined hand with the Ministry of Culture to complete the preparation work in just 8 months. The grand opening is scheduled tomorrow (23). Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan Cheng Wen-Tsan, Minister of Culture Shih Che, Taichung City Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-Jong and others attended the lighting ceremony and trial operation press conference of the "Big Banyan Tree " in the National Taiwan Museum of Comics Park tonight to witness a new milestone in the development of Taiwanese comics.

Vice Premier Cheng stated that launching the National Taiwan Museum of Comics was no easy feat. He thanked the Preparatory Office of NTMC and all the engineering and curatorial units, as well as the Taichung City Government to pull this off in a very short time, making the wish of "end-of-year exhibitions and activities first" come true. He also said that culture is the soul of a city, and comics are a common memory across borders and generations. He hoped that the Museum can become a part of Taichung’s cultural life; in the future, the central government will continue to support it, invest more funds, and complete medium and long-term plans.

Minister Shih said that the National Taiwan Museum of Comics was located at the Taichung Penal Service Building Complex on April 1 this year. And he thanked the Taichung City Government for its assistance and cooperation during the preparations. Currently, 8 major theme strategies and 3 major highlight spaces are planned at the 15 Japanese-style buildings in the east-side compound to provide comic fans with a new immersive experience, and create an extraordinary scenery at night through unique elements like lights, shadows, water mist, music and others. The anticipated opening of the new hall on the north side is set for 2029.

Deputy Mayor Huang mentioned that when the central government announced the National Taiwan Museum of Comics in Taichung on April 1, "as long as the National Taiwan Museum of Comics is located in Taichung, the city government will provide full cooperation," promised by Mayor Lu Shiew-Yen right at the spot. In just 8 short months, the city hall joined hand with Ministry of Culture for the preparations for the launch at the end of the year, including site allocation and handover, inventory and improvement of walking space and traffic environment around the site. Mayor Lu even transformed into a tour guide during the Dragon Boat Festival to introduce the venue. The city government also warmed up the National Taiwan Museum of Comics through Taichung International Animation Expo, Taichung International Animation Film Festival and many other animation activities. To warm up for the launch of the Museum at the end of the year, several events full of festive atmosphere and comic elements were provided in the old city blocks, such as the "Taichung Christmas Carnival" and "Hokusai Comic Exhibition", echoing the National Taiwan Museum of Comics and creating the most eye-catching winter itinerary in the comic capital.

Deputy Mayor Huang also said that the Taichung City Government worked very hard to have the National Taiwan Museum of Comics in Taichung. Taichung is a good place with good weather and a large cultural and artistic population, and its population is growing as well. Throughout the preparation process, all departments of the city government have actively cooperated. Tonight is a good start. Friends from all over Taiwan who like comics are welcome to Taichung to enjoy comics. He expressed the hope that this venue will evolve into a place where comic artists can showcase their best work in the future.

The Information Bureau explained that the NTMC Park covers 2.75 hectares, incorporating 15 buildings on the east side, which are currently undergoing trial operation. The park combines a century of culture, history and the imagination of the two-dimensional comics, it will become the home of Taiwanese comics. A restoration project is currently on the design desk for the north side, and the new exhibition hall is expected to see action in 5 years. The National Taiwan Museum of Comics is strategically located adjacent to Taichung Railway Station to provide easy accessibility. There are rich surrounding attractions in the neighborhood, including the old Taichu Government Office, Taichung Shiyakusho, Taiwan Prefecture Confucian Examination Hall, Taichung Literature Museum and other cultural and creative venues. It is also a stone’s throw away from popular tourist attractions such as the Second Market, the Fifth Market, Luchuan, and Liuchuan, making the Museum the first choice for Taichung tourism.

Attending Today's press conference are Vice Premier Cheng Wen-Tsan, Vice President Tsai Chi-Chang of Legislative Yuan, Minister of Culture Shih Che, Taichung City Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-Jong, Legislator Huang Kuo-Shu, Taichung City Councilors Huang Shou-Ta and Chiang Chao-Kuo, Director Chen Chia-Chun of Cultural Bureau, Director Cheng Chao-Hsin of Information Bureau, Deputy Director Liao Chung-Chih of Information Bureau, Director Li Chih-Fu of the Cultural Asset Office, Executive Secretary Kuo Chih-Wen of the Transportation Bureau, Executive Secretary Lin Yu-Chun of the New Construction Office, Executive Wang Rui-Chia of West District, Chief Lin Shui-Shun of Guangmin Village, Chief Chen Min-Hsiang of Limin Village, and Chief Liao Wu Fen-Fang of Sanmin Village. Legislator Chang Liao Wan-Chien and city councilors Luo Ting-Wei and Chang Yen-Tung also sent their representatives to celebrate the event.