30 Years Since Taiwan’s Martial Law Lifted: Special Exhibition at National Museum of Taiwan History

During the martial law period, to uphold the resolve to “retake the mainland,” an intense “patriotic” atmosphere was fostered everywhere—even playing pinball carried strong patriotic undertones. (Photo by Cao Tingting)

30 Years Since Taiwan’s Martial Law Lifted: Special Exhibition at National Museum of Taiwan History. (Photo by Cao Tingting)

Have you ever seen a TV news anchor wearing a straw hat that half covers their face? Have you played a pinball machine themed around fighting communists? Even during martial law, entertainment never forgot patriotism. To mark the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s lifting of martial law, the National Museum of Taiwan History launched the “Challengers: 30th Anniversary of Martial Law Lifting Special Exhibition” on the 28th, showcasing artifacts, historical materials, and films that reflect traces of martial law. The exhibition reflects on the lessons brought by “38 years of martial law” and “30 years since its lifting” for Taiwan’s history, while paying tribute to those challengers who bravely broke through martial

Wang Chang-hua, director of the National Museum of Taiwan History, stated, “The 38 years of martial law” and “the 30 years since the lifting of martial law” are not just symbols of Taiwan’s political reform, but should also serve as historical mirrors. Through this special exhibition, we invite audiences to continuously reflect on and challenge the seemingly normal aspects of daily life and slogans of justice—questioning whether there still lurks something “abnormal” that ought to be reformed. By engaging in ongoing reflection and challenge, we can jointly create a freer, more democratic, and more equitable Taiwan.

The exhibition venue of “Challengers: The 30th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law” begins with an ordinary living room to lead visitors into life during the martial law era. The living room is adorned with certificates from speech and sketch competitions themed “patriotism” and “in commemoration of Generalissimo Chiang,” along with mementos from childhood—realities unimaginable to today’s youth, yet cherished memories of those born in the 1950s and 1960s. Stepping out of the living room, visitors encounter a theater and street scenes, featuring films, posters, and patriotic lottery tickets from different eras, as well as slogans promoting anti-communism and authoritarian ideals. Even pinball machines bear the phrase “Overthrow the Communists,” truly embodying the notion of “entertainment without forgetting patriotism.”

The exhibition also specially presents documentary films by the “Green Team,” an unofficial group of video activists formed in 1986. Wearing conical hats to partially conceal their faces, they reported news on the short-lived Green TV station, informing the public of the truths behind the street protests led by challengers and documenting crucial moments when Taiwan’s social movements strongly confronted the party-state system.

The opening event featured Golden Melody Award-winning singer尬Xie Ming-yuan performing the song “Song for New Taiwan Construction” by Tainan composer Hsu Shih, as well as his own compositions “Walking” and “Days.” With a voice weathered by time, he sang about Taiwan’s past, care for the land, and hopes for the nation’s future.

The exhibition runs until June 24 next year. Throughout the exhibition period, a stamp-collecting campaign connects the National Human Rights Museum Preparatory Office with activities organized by Tainan groups including Neng Sheng Xing Factory, Ju Zhen Taiwan, Tainan New Sprouts Association, and Wu Tong Harbor Businesses. These include film screenings, lectures, music events, and printmaking workshops. Stamp collection locations span the Yang Kui Literature Memorial Hall, National Cheng Kung University, and the Taiwan Literature Museum, among others. Visitors can collect stamps to redeem one of four exclusive gifts from the National Museum of Taiwan History, with a total of 220 available slots.