When it comes to board games, many people have classic games in mind that carry warm memories of gathering with friends and family. The National Museum of Taiwan History is presenting the "Unbox! Board Game Exhibition" from now until April 19, 2026. This is the first large-scale showcase of the museum's board game collection, featuring interactive experiences and family-friendly routes to invite visitors into the gaming world and explore Taiwan&rsquos century-long board game culture through play.
According to the museum, the exhibition integrates games and historical knowledge, using simple language and well-designed displays for children, along with interactive games that make the experience fun for young visitors. Highlights include replicas of classics like "Lighthouse Animal Chess," combining animal shapes and Chinese chess rules, and the New Year&rsquos dice game "The King" from the Japanese colonial period, offering visitors a nostalgic hands-on experience.
Based on the Taiwanese-designed board game African Treasure Hunt, a large interactive motion-sensing game has been created. (Image / Ministry of Culture website)
One of the exhibition's main highlights is a large interactive installation based on Taiwan&rsquos classic board game &ldquoAfrican Treasure Hunt,&rdquo incorporating modern animal conservation concepts. Three major challenges allow visitors to engage physically while enjoying observation, luck, and strategy all at once. Whether spinning wheels, assembling puzzles, or sitting down for a vintage board game, the fun is endless.
The exhibition features five main sections: "Spin! Spiral Life," revealing historical influences behind Eastern and Western board games "Paint Your Dream and Set Off," showcasing visions of life and travel across eras "History Tests You Won&rsquot Get Graded On, but They&rsquore Fun," using history-themed games to explore alternative ways to learn history "Animal World Adventures," featuring folk and exploration games centered on animals and finally, "Shh! Secret Gambling Games," which revisits once-popular gambling board games and stirs up nostalgic entertainment memories.
Board games are not merely tools for entertainment but also reflections of cultural eras. From the Qing dynasty&rsquos "Promotion Chart" reflecting bureaucratic systems, to post-war competition games based on the "Five-Branch Government," and Chinese poker using the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system, all show the close link between board games and social changes. The exhibition also uses board game collections, vintage photos, and multimedia to recreate 1930s Taipei street scenes, shops, and transportation, providing visitors with an immersive historical experience through play.
The traditionally styled Chinese playing cards use the "Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches" system to form the deck, showcasing a unique style different from Western cards. (Image / Ministry of Culture website)
If you want to know how grandparents and even ancient people played board games, this exhibition is definitely not to be missed! Come to the National Taiwan History Museum, unbox these board games, and experience the fun of traveling through time and space! A series of activities will be held during the exhibition. For more information, please visit the National Taiwan History Museum's official website (www.nmth.gov.tw) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NMTH100).
