Traces of Eternity: A Century of Light and Shadow

Built in 1925, the Hsinchu Art Gallery originally served as the Hsinchu City Hall. Now, a century later, the exhibition Eternal Traces of Architecture: A Century of Light and Shadow delves into the building’s historical and cultural legacy—examining how it has been reinterpreted across time. More than just an exhibition, it is a dialogue among architecture, historical archives, art, and philosophy. Viewed through the twin lenses of past and present, it reimagines architecture as a vessel of memory, history, and time itself. This year marks the centennial anniversary of the Hsinchu Art Gallery. In celebration, the building has undergone a comprehensive renovation. While its historic exterior has been faithfully preserved, the interior has been thoughtfully refurbished with close reference to the original design. Over the decades, the building has served multiple roles, each reflecting the shifting tides of Taiwan’s history. Its spaces not only record these transformations but also narrate their own silent story. Through a “self-narration of architecture” approach, the exhibition allows the building itself to speak—across time, through form and structure. Visitors are invited to reflect on the relationship between self and city through the interplay of culture, memory, and place. By engaging with original architectural blueprints, historical photographs, and restoration journals, they journey between past and present, uncovering the many layers of meaning embedded in the former City Hall. At the heart of the exhibition is The Unfinished Tower—a kinetic, algorithm-driven installation that embodies an “unfinished order.” This structure symbolizes the continuous dialogue between history and the future. Complementing this centerpiece, media artists present site-specific works inspired by the building’s space, stories, and archival materials. This exhibition of techno-art features energy-efficient LED lighting and makes extensive use of recyclable and reusable materials. Historical narratives presented in the exhibition will be relocated to other venues for continued display after the exhibition ends. During the renovation of this building, materials were selected with energy conservation in mind, and electricity consumption for air conditioning was significantly reduced.