Polymorphic Corp. and Goodjob Corp. · CLIENT: National Museum of Prehistory
The Contemporary Archaeology Hall uses innovative design and technology to transform archaeology into a thought provoking journey that links the past with modern society. Visitors become time travelers, exploring archaeological secrets in places like the Moai filled island of Rapa Nui, the Akrotiri ruins before a volcanic eruption, and the ancient tomb of a Viking female warrior. Along the way, they reflect on contemporary societal challenges and potential solutions.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Through innovative design, the Contemporary Archaeology Hall transforms archaeology into a reflective journey that links the past with today’s society. Visitors become time travellers, venturing into sites such as Rapa Nui, where the Moai are located; Akrotiri, destroyed by a volcanic eruption; and the burial of a female Viking warrior. Along the way, they uncover the mysteries of archaeology while confronting the challenges faced by contemporary society and considering possible solutions.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Independent exhibition hall comprising 570 square meters of indoor galleries and 190 square meters of outdoor space, with ceiling heights ranging from 5 m to 6.8 m. The exhibition includes six thematic sections, three immersive theatres, seven digital interactive installations, twelve display cases, and a large collection of physical artefacts and replicas.
- Tags
- Contemporary Archaeology Hall， National Museum of Prehistory， Polimorphic Design Co., Ltd.， Archaeology， Permanent Exhibition ， Time Travellers
- Production Technology
- Interior Fit-Out: In addition to traditional materials and methods, this project makes bold use of a wall and ceiling system that combines flame-retardant lightbox fabric with an aluminium alloy framework.
Audiovisual Installation: The audiovisual content for this exhibition is primarily produced using 3D CGI animation. Virtual characters are created through facial 3D scanning and motion capture technologies. - Design Challenge
- The greatest difficulty of this project lay in the challenges inherent in pursuing innovation.
We actively adopted new materials, methods, and technologies, bringing together expertise from interior design, 3D CGI production, motion capture, lighting, and mechanical prop control. These unprecedented attempts added complexity and uncertainty to the process, yet everything proved worthwhile in the moment of completion. - Project Duration
- The project was launched on 5 May 2023 and will be on display from 28 June 2025 at the National Museum of Prehistory, Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- During the visit, audiences become time travellers, engaging with rich audiovisual interactions to explore archaeological findings on themes such as gender, coexistence with nature, and food crises, while reflecting on the challenges of contemporary society and possible solutions. At the end of the journey, visitors can share their perspectives with fellow travellers through a digital message wall.
- Research
- This project constructs a platform for dialogue, using the stories behind the exhibits as bridges for connection: dialogues between past and present, between archaeologists and the public, and among visitors themselves. For us, this is more than an archaeological exhibition; it is also a demonstration of how the humanities can engage with contemporary issues through care and advocacy.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by a journey through time and space, this exhibition invites visitors to move freely across different eras and regions, exploring the life stories of prehistoric peoples. To realise this vision, we have drawn on a wealth of archaeological research, transforming it into stories that are both informative and engaging. Through a combination of physical displays, digital interaction, and immersive theatre, we present an archaeological exhibition like no other.
- Image Credits
- Fan-Chieh Chien，Contemporary Archaeology Hall，2025
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