The Czech Republic abounds in cultural treasures, among which castles and chateaux as historical residences of the social elite, of rulers, of the aristocracy, and of religious institutions attract special attention. Castles, fortified residences of the Middle Ages, were built from the 12th to the early 16th century. In the modern era (from the 16thto the 19th century) they were replaced by comfortable and often sumptuously furnished chateaux. The fact that the Czech Republic ranks among the countries with the highest density of these remarkable buildings per square kilometre and that they are preserved in such an unusually authentic form gives us every right to call it a “country of castles and chateaux.” Most accessible sites are managed by the National Heritage Institute or by various museums, towns, municipalities, and private persons, including descendants of the historic Czech noble families. 
This exhibition presents a selection of the most interesting castles and chateaux of Bohemia and Moravia, two of the historic areas that make up the Czech state. The criterion for the selection of the localities has been their historical significance as well as their architectural, artistic, and historical value. 
A prominent position is occupied by sites of European importance, including not only those already on UNESCO’s list (e.g. Prague, Český Krumlov, Telč) but also a number of other potential candidates (e.g. Karlštejn, Křivoklát, Jindřichův Hradec). This selection also includes impressive and romantic ruins, castles turned into imposing chateau-like residences and modern palaces surrounded by splendid. 
The exhibition thus opens up the space to create a mosaic that informs us about selected cultural treasures and also presents exceptional objects from the extensive and valuable collections of the National Museum and the National Heritage Institute.
We believe that the exhibition will provide not only an aesthetic experience and information but also motivation for closer investigation into castles and chateaux, as well as an invitation to visit the Czech Republic.  

Supervisor: Ministry of Culture 
Organizer: National Taiwan Museum
Curators: National Museum in Cooperation with National Heritage Institute (Prague, Czech Republic)
Co-organizers: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech Economic and Cultural Office
Sponsors: Memorial Scholarship Foundation to Mr. Lin Hsiung-Chen, Chang Yung-Fa Foundation