Experience prison life up close—explore the historic Chiayi Prison

By Chi Bing-hui, compiled and reported

Old prisons have always given off an eerie, mysterious, and hard-to-approach vibe. From now until October 14th, the Ministry of Justice’s Agency of Corrections is hosting the “Centennial Justice – Special Display on Prison Administration and Prosecutorial Relics,” where visitors can experience the solemn atmosphere of compressed cells and see terrifying torture devices and interrogation rooms from the Japanese colonial era.

Chen Chin-feng, warden of the Chiayi Prison, stated that the old Chiayi Prison was established in the 8th year of the Republic of China (1919) and currently no longer houses detainees. In addition to displaying relics from prison life, the exhibition also features carefully curated architectural structures and models of prisons across Taiwan. Visitors can observe the scale and construction of prisons built in different eras, gaining insight into the government’s efforts toward “prison administration transparency” and changing the public’s negative perception of “prisons.”

The special exhibition also incorporates technology in its curation, showcasing many previously unreleased historical materials and engaging interactive activities. These include architectural structures and models of prisons across Taiwan, precious cultural heritage historical materials, writing reflection cards, mailing postcards, a “One-Day Warden” game, and more. Participants can also take part in walking over a fire basin and receiving pork leg, candied fruits, and vermicelli—joining in to unveil the mysterious veil of prison life. The exhibition runs from September 24th to October 14th, 2011, daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and remains open every day, including weekends and holidays.