Before the age of digital entertainment, movies were once the most popular form of leisure. Theaters filled the streets, audiences gathered in great numbers, and competition among cinemas was fierce. To draw people inside, studios and theaters commissioned artists to create bold, hand-painted posters and billboards. With their vivid colors and dramatic compositions, these works often sparked the audience’s imagination long before the film began.

On city streets, billboards were more than advertisements—they became part of the urban landscape. Which film was the talk of the town? Which star was making a debut? People read the boards as cultural noticeboards, exchanging news and sharing excitement. In this way, painted billboards transformed the dark façades of theaters into kaleidoscopes of dazzling stories.

Unlike today’s mass-printed posters, hand-painted boards carried the distinctive style of each artist. Some exaggerated expressions, others highlighted action scenes, and some made Hollywood stars appear almost within reach. These works were not simple reproductions of stills, but lively creations of popular art. Blending skill and imagination, they remain a shining memory for many longtime moviegoers.

This exhibition invites visitors to rediscover the vibrant culture of theaters and cinema. Divided into themes such as “Theater and Billboard,” “Kaohsiung Billboard Artists,” “The Artists' Workspace,” and “Billboard Stories,” the show offers multiple perspectives on this unique art form. From large-scale billboards and rare star photographs to artist interviews and technique displays, we welcome you to step into the colorful world of billboard art.

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venue: KFA  B1F
open hours: 13:30-21:30