Hsinchu Glass Reception

Reception from 6-8 PM.

Hsinchu, blessed with high-quality silica sand and convenient energy resources, was once the heart of Taiwan’s glass industry. Beginning in the 1960s, glass Christmas bulbs produced in Hsinchu were exported worldwide. By the 1970s–1980s, Taiwan supplied nearly 90% of the global market for Christmas lights, earning the title “The Kingdom of Christmas Bulbs.” At that time, the twinkling lights on countless Christmas trees across American homes mostly came from Hsinchu. As Taiwan shifted its focus to high-tech industries in the 1980s, much of the glass manufacturing moved overseas. 

Although traditional glass manufacturing has declined, veteran masters have joined forces with younger creators, channeling their expertise into the field of glass art. To preserve this heritage, the government established the Glass Museum of Hsinchu City—the only museum in Taiwan dedicated to both the artistry and history of glass. Deeply rooted in Hsinchu’s glass culture, the museum holds a significance in Taiwan comparable to that of the Corning Museum of Glass in the United States. The museum features a permanent exhibition on its second floor and three rotating special exhibitions on the first floor. In 2025, two of these exhibitions received four international gold awards in design, further inspiring Hsinchu’s glass artists to expand their exchanges with the global community.

The artists featured in this UrbanGlass showcase are all regular exhibitors at the Glass Museum of Hsinchu City, representing three different generations. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and local culture, they create works that embody a distinct Asian aesthetic while reflecting their individual artistic voices. Through this collaboration, we hope to share with American audiences a touch of warmth and artistry from Taiwan.