The National Library of Public Information (NLPI) will host the special exhibition “Go! Let’s Visit the Expo” from September 2, 2025, to January 25, 2026, at the 3rd-floor Periodicals Area. The exhibition centers on the 1935 Taiwan Exposition, drawing from historical Japanese publications, and also features archival newspapers highlighting the 1970 Osaka Expo, while connecting to this year’s 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Through rare documents, images, and diaries, visitors are guided across nearly a century of world expositions, reflecting Taiwan’s cultural memory and its presence on the international stage.
The 1935 Taiwan Exposition was Taiwan’s first large-scale comprehensive fair, attracting over 3.34 million visitors during its 50-day run. Exhibits covered agriculture, transportation, education, culture, and defense, and included a special “Children’s Kingdom” featuring attractions such as Mickey Mouse, Momotaro, and innovative amusement rides, delighting countless children and leaving cherished memories across generations.
The 1970 Osaka Expo, the first held in Asia, was the largest international exposition of its time. The Republic of China actively participated, with artist Yang Ying-Feng’s sculpture “Phoenix Comes in Glory” installed outside the pavilion, symbolizing good fortune and cultural renewal. The work showcased Taiwan’s artistic heritage alongside a modern spirit. The expo highlighted Asia’s rising influence and brought international attention to Taiwan’s cultural and technological achievements.
The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, themed “People’s Living Lab,” emphasizes smart technology, cultural exchange, and sustainability. By presenting the 1935 and 1970 expositions as the exhibition’s core, NLPI demonstrates how each event reflects the spirit of its era, while also fulfilling the library’s century-long mission of preserving knowledge and promoting culture. Visitors are invited to reflect on this year’s expo and imagine possibilities for the future.
NLPI gratefully acknowledges the support of the Central News Agency, the National Museum of Taiwan History, and the Yang Ying-Feng Arts & Education Foundation, whose contributions pro-vide valuable images that enrich the exhibition’s historical perspective. Visitors can experience the widespread public participation of the 1935 Taiwan Exposition, appreciate the Asian vision symbolized by the 1970 Osaka Expo, and glimpse global aspirations for the future at the 2025 Expo. This exhibition offers a cultural journey across time, inviting the public to the 3rd-floor Periodicals Area of NLPI’s Main Library to explore memories and imagine the possibilities the expos inspire.