Prehistoric Choices, Contemporary Echoes: Immersive Narrative in the “Contemporary Archaeology Hall”

WANG Chung‑chun

Archaeological research offers more than a window into the past; it serves as a powerful tool to deconstruct stereotypes, challenge linear historical narratives, and ignite diverse imaginings of human existence. The Contemporary Archaeology Hall at the National Museum of Prehistory (NMP) in Taiwan centres on the core theme of Humans and the Environment. By utilising five thematic bridges – Cultural Rights, Food, Megalith, Disaster, and Genders – the exhibition transforms abstract archaeological data into relatable contemporary experiences. Through immersive and sensory‑based interactions, such as Prehistoric Private Dining, the Disaster Theater, and the mystery‑driven In Search of the Warrior’s Identity, visitors are invited on a transformative journey across time. This paper explores how these diverse modes of conceptualisation and visualisation cater to varying public audiences, making the seemingly inaccessible knowledge of archaeology tangible and relevant. By integrating traditional artefact displays with hands‑on, activity‑based learning, the NMP demonstrates how shifting mediums of expression can fundamentally change the nature of conveyed concepts. Ultimately, this approach moves archaeology beyond a purely academic discipline, positioning it as a dynamic bridge for dialogue between ancient civilisations and modern society, reflecting how prehistoric choices continue to echo in our contemporary world.