“Formosa Orchids Blossom” is an international curatorial project jointly organized by the National Museum of History (NMH) in Taiwan and the University Museum at the University of Tokyo (UMUT). The exhibition is presented in two parts—one in Tokyo and the other in Taipei—both centered around Taiwan’s “Naturalis Historia.”

The “Formosa Orchids Blossom – Tokyo Exhibition” is held at the JP TOWER Intermediatheque (IMT), an exhibition space transformed from the former Tokyo Central Post Office building, featuring interior design by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Operated jointly by Japan Post Co., Ltd. and UMUT, the venue boasts a unique blend of historical significance and aesthetic excellence.

Launched by UMUT, the Tokyo exhibition introduces the Taiwanese version of the “Naturalis Historia,” showcasing the historical trajectories of orchid research and botanic painting between Japan and Taiwan. It also highlights the orchid culture of Taiwan’s Indigenous Tsou people, along with various artistic expressions from NMH’s collection that represent Han cultural traditions of orchid appreciation. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the exhibition invites visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the unique allure of Taiwanese orchids.

In addition, NMH and UMUT have collaboratively produced an exhibition catalog. This catalog, which will be released sequentially in both Japan and Taiwan, compiles the highlights from the Tokyo and Taipei exhibitions. It connects research institutions and museums across Japan, Taiwan, and beyond that house orchid-themed collections, and features engaging essays, expert columns, and detailed explanations by international and interdisciplinary scholars. The catalog is published in Japanese, Chinese, and English.