National Taiwan Museum

Located in the heart of Taipei City, the National Taiwan Museum is the oldest public museum in Taiwan and is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Since its establishment during the Japanese colonial period, the museum has played a vital role in collecting, researching, and exhibiting Taiwan’s natural and cultural heritage. It serves as a key site for understanding the trajectory of Taiwan’s development.

The museum was originally known as the Taiwan Governor-General’s Museum, established during Japanese rule. The main building is situated on the north side of the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei and is a classical structure of historical significance. Due to its historical and architectural value, the building has been designated as a national historic monument and has been well preserved and restored. In addition to the main museum, the National Taiwan Museum system has expanded to multiple branches in other locations across Taipei, broadening its exhibitions and services.

The museum boasts a rich and diverse collection spanning the humanities and natural sciences. Its holdings include specimens related to Taiwan’s geology, minerals, flora and fauna, ecosystems, as well as indigenous cultures and historical developments. It also covers themes such as agriculture, fisheries, craftsmanship, trade, and forestry, with a total collection of around 40,000 items.

From 2005 to 2017, the museum hosted permanent exhibitions on the second floor titled “Taiwan's Biodiversity” and “Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples”, offering the public a valuable opportunity to explore Taiwan’s natural and ethnic diversity in depth.