National Taiwan Museum

Taipei


Established in 1908, Taiwan's first public museum has been in its present location in 2-28 Park since 1915. Reopened in 2017 after an upgrade, it has been transformed from its formerly dreary state into an engaging and atmospheric walk through Taiwan's natural history and indigenous cultures. Apart from some dodgy taxidermy, the exhibits are rich, informative and well explained in English. The 1st floor is reserved for special exhibits, which are often world-class and usually focus on the natural world.

Don't miss the Land Bank Exhibition Hall across the road; one ticket gains you admission to both.

The museum hosts occasional free English-language weekend tours led by student volunteers, on topics such as history and architecture in and around the site. Check the tour Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NTMtour) for upcoming events.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Taipei attractions

1. Land Bank Exhibition Hall

0.04 MILES

Evolution is the theme at this museum, set in a 1930s former bank: evolution of life, evolution of money and banking, and evolution of the bank from the…

2. 2-28 Peace Memorial Park

0.15 MILES

Established in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then…

3. National Taiwan University Hospital

0.21 MILES

The western wing of this hospital is a heritage site. This attractive Renaissance-style red-brick building was built during the Japanese era at the end of…

4. 2-28 Memorial Museum

0.23 MILES

Located inside 2-28 park, 2-28 Memorial Museum explains the background to the killings that were sparked by the 28 February 1947 incident and the…

5. Taipei Guesthouse

0.25 MILES

Surrounded by a high grey concrete wall just to the south of NTU Hospital MRT station, Taipei Guesthouse is a two-storey Renaissance-style building dating…

6. Jinan Presbyterian Church

0.28 MILES

This lovely red-brick church with its arched Gothic windows dates from 1916 and is fronted by a row of palm trees. Inside is dominated by white wood. The…

7. Presidential Office Building

0.28 MILES

Built in 1919 as the seat of the Japanese governor general of Taiwan, this striking building has housed the offices of the Taiwan president since 1949…

8. Zhongshan Hall

0.31 MILES

This handsome four-storey building, constructed in 1936 for the coronation of Emperor Hirohito, is where the Japanese surrender ceremony was held in…