TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —The National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Chiayi hosted a beam-raising ceremony for a second hall on Tuesday.

The expansion will cost NT$3.2 billion (US$106.7 million), with construction expected to be completed by the end of next year. The new hall will include an exhibition space and art restoration facilities, per CNA.

National Palace Museum Director Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) delivered a speech at the event, noting the new hall will increase exhibition space. This includes a new international exhibition hall, an exhibition hall for national treasures, and a digital exhibition area.

Hsiao said the expansion will include a corridor providing visitors protection from rain and sun as they travel between the new hall and the main museum. At the new cafe, visitors can enjoy the museum architecture and lakeside scenery.

Minister Without Portfolio Shih Che (史哲) said construction of the second hall will help balance the cultural disparity between northern and southern Taiwan.

Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) said the museum expansion is part of a broader development plan with the Chiayi High Speed ​​Rail Station. TSMC and several hotels, resorts, and outlets are planning construction too. 

Weng said rezoning of a nearby 367-hectare area is also being promoted, potentially creating a new town and allowing more people to move to the area. According to Weng, the next 10 years will be the "golden decade" for Chiayi. He hopes that new investments will not only make the area a major cultural center but also a technological leader.

The National Palace Museum Southern Branch said once construction is completed, interior decoration can begin, with a soft opening in early 2027.