National Taiwan Museum
Built in 1915 by the Japanese during their 50-year colonization of Taiwan, the National Museum is as magnificent-looking as any equivalent Parisian institution. Clad in exquisitely mottled marble and topped by a stained glass dome that is the epitome of Beaux Arts élan, there’s a good case to be made for coming here just to see the building. But what's inside is equally intriguing: a mix of changing exhibits (a recent example: delightful look at the evolution of Taiwanese women's fashions) and permanent installations, the highlight of which is a multimedia examination of the history and traditions of the island’s indigenous tribes. The museum also has an impressive fossil collection. There’s just enough English-language text to keep non-Mandarin speakers satisfied. A final plus: the terrific lobby gift shop. Budget an hour to 90 minutes for a visit.
Built in 1915 by the Japanese during their 50-year colonization of Taiwan, the National Museum is as magnificent-looking as any equivalent Parisian institution. Clad in exquisitely mottled marble and topped by a stained glass dome that is the epitome of Beaux Arts élan, there’s a good case to be made for coming here just to see the building. But what's inside is equally intriguing: a mix of changing exhibits (a recent example: delightful look at the evolution of Taiwanese women's fashions) and permanent installations, the highlight of which is a multimedia examination of the history and traditions of the island’s indigenous tribes. The museum also has an impressive fossil collection. There’s just enough English-language text to keep non-Mandarin speakers satisfied. A final plus: the terrific lobby gift shop. Budget an hour to 90 minutes for a visit.
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