Humans live in the natural world, describing, recording and investigating everything around them to produce a splendid civilization and artistic works of unmatched beauty. However, even as mankind enjoys resources and convenience, it also creates an enormous impact on the Earth.

This joint exhibition, titled "Eco-Rethink", is held by three notable and unique institutions -- National Palace Museum, Yilan County Lanyang Museum, and National Taiwan Museum. It brings together a variety of cultural objects, animal specimens and other holdings tied together by a multimedia design by the National Palace Museum and showcases humanity's search to know the Earth and all its treasures, from sea creatures described in legend to detailed world maps produced with drafting tools, from the rarest seafood delicacies to everyday flesh-and-blood animals and birds. All are markers of man's history of exploring the world.

Mankind takes inspiration from nature for daily life. From the design of tableware to art exhibits, links to nature are evident. Nature perhaps brings us more than mere energy resources; it also produces the vital energy of life itself. These treasures are by no means inexhaustible. Mankind has wantonly exploited and destroyed Nature, and now Nature has begun to strike back. The Earth is facing a tremendous crisis. Humankind must realize the severity of the situation without delay and join hands to further the work of ecological protection.

In this exhibit, the hope is that through the enjoyment of cultural relics, viewers will move beyond today's technological consciousness and appreciate the many other beings who share our planet.