By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
December 21st is approaching, and whether the Mayan prophecy of the end of the world will come true remains unknown. But activities themed around the apocalypse—whether by restaurants or exhibition halls—are popping up one after another. The National Museum of Natural Science, the Delta Electronics Foundation, and Chunghwa Telecom have joined forces to hold the “Apocalypse and Rebirth” series of events from December 20–22. These include the “Temple. New Vision—Mayan Temple Facade Projection Animation Design Competition,” the “2012 Doomsday Clock Countdown to Zero Event,” and the “Apocalypse and Rebirth” concert. These exciting activities combine scientific knowledge, technological creativity, music, art, and literary creation, inviting the public to lift the veil on doomsday myths and experience the true meaning behind the apocalypse prophecy.
![](\"/pic/20200319/97080e2d0c77f4e2601eb2286d27fa09.jpg\")
On the evening of December 21st, Chichen Itza Temple at NMNS will showcase different visual aesthetics through projection. (Photo provided by National Museum of Natural Science)
To help the public dispel doubts through historical research and scientific discoveries, NMNS is currently hosting the “Catastrophe and Rebirth—2012 Doomsday Special Exhibition.” This exhibition explores the myth of the “end of the world” from diverse perspectives such as astronomy, history, mythology, and science. It has also reconstructed a nine-meter-high replica of the important Mayan cultural landmark, Chichen Itza Temple, in the oval plaza. The “Doomsday Clock” atop the temple is ticking closer and closer to 2:00 PM on December 21st—the moment that represents midnight in the Mayan calendar of Central America. The “2012 Doomsday Clock Countdown to Zero Event” will be held starting at 1:30 PM on December 21st in front of the Chichen Itza Temple. NMNS Director Sun Wei-Hsin will join visitors in counting down to zero, marking the arrival of the apocalypse in sync with the Mayan prophecy.
Starting at 6:30 PM that evening, there will also be the “Temple. New Vision—Mayan Temple Facade Projection Animation Design Competition” and the “Apocalypse and Rebirth” concert, among other events. In the “Temple. New Vision” competition, participants create animations exploring themes of culture and environmental discovery. On the evening of December 20th, the semi-finals held at NMNS will see a panel of professional judges and NMNS cardholder judges select the winning teams. Their works will then be spectacularly projected onto the Mayan Temple at NMNS on the evening of December 21st. Additionally, renowned animation production companies will also perform as demonstration acts, dressing up the Mayan Temple with a fresh new look and delivering ultimate visual aesthetics. Starting today, the public can also get an early look at the semi-finalist entries on YouTube.
Following the animation design competition, the “Apocalypse and Rebirth” concert will feature performances by the Central Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, playing works such as Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” as well as theme songs from movies like “Cape No. 7” and “Star Wars.” Yang Ling?, a rising vocal star who returned from studying in the UK, will deliver beautiful renditions of well-known songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic” and “Time to Say Goodbye.”
In addition, NMNS will open free entry to the public from the Human Cultures Hall on Xitun Road starting at 7:00 PM on December 21st. A 300-inch large screen will be set up at the entrance plaza, allowing the public to join in the countdown and enjoy the “Temple. New Vision—Mayan Temple Facade Projection Animation Design Competition” and the “Apocalypse and Rebirth” concert. At 2:00 PM on December 22nd, there will also be a doomsday countdown event in front of the Mayan Temple. For those who miss the projection competition, free admission to view the award-winning works will also be available starting at 6:00 PM on December 22nd.
Citizens across the country can now watch live recordings of the opening of the “2012 Doomsday Special Exhibition” and the “Temple Light and Shadow Mid-Autumn Festival” events via Chunghwa Telecom MOD, Hichannel, and Hami. On the day of the apocalypse, they can also use these three platforms to watch live broadcasts of all the events. Smartphone users can also experience the live events directly via Hami’s Experience Channel. For more detailed event information, visit: cal.nmns.edu.tw/NMNS_Cal/Detail_Ann.aspx?ANID=6323.
● Extended Reading: The Mayan Calendar Apocalypse Prophecy – Secrets Unveiled at NMNS’ Chichen Itza Temple
http://goo.gl/20GMa