Museum admission: Access to general exhibitions on floors 1–5 (Not including international special exhibitions and other paid exhibitions)
The museum was originally located in a Japanese-style wooden building inside the Taipei Botanical Garden, which served as the Product Exhibition Hall of the Governor-General's Production Bureau during the Japanese colonial period. Starting in 1958, the building was renovated and expanded to include exhibition rooms and galleries. In 1961, the “National Gallery” was built to display paintings and calligraphy, followed by the addition of a traditional-style exhibition hall in 1962. In 1971, the original wooden structure was approved for reconstruction into the current red-walled, green-tiled traditional architectural style.
When the museum first opened, it had no collection, as cultural relics allocated by the government had not yet arrived, and there was no budget for acquisitions—earning it the nickname “empty museum.” In 1956, the Ministry of Education allocated cultural relics returned from Japan after WWII and a group of artifacts from the Henan Museum. These became the foundation of the museum’s collection. Over the years, items have been acquired through government allocation, public donations, purchases, and archaeological discoveries, growing to over 50,000 pieces today. The collection spans 19 categories, including Chinese painting, calligraphy, Western painting, jade, pottery, porcelain, and more, ranging from prehistoric painted pottery, Shang and Zhou oracle bones and bronzes, Tang sancai, stone Buddhist sculptures, jade, early 20th-century furniture and puppets, to modern artworks—covering both ancient and contemporary, folk and refined culture.
As the first national museum established in Taiwan after WWII, successive directors have actively expanded operations, keeping pace with the times. The National Gallery, completed in 1961, was once regarded as the most prestigious gallery in Taiwan, attracting many renowned artists to exhibit. The museum has hosted numerous international exhibitions, fostering global cultural exchange, such as shows on ancient civilizations and masterpieces from world-famous museums. After cross-strait exchanges opened in 1988, the museum organized cultural exhibitions featuring artifacts from Mainland China, including the Terracotta Warriors. It also promotes Taiwanese culture abroad, showcasing its collections and artists internationally. In the 1970s and 80s, the museum planned regional cultural exhibitions and toured its treasures to local cultural centers. In 2001, it launched the “Mobile Museum,” converting large containers into traveling exhibitions for remote areas—now operating two such vehicles.
On May 20, 2012, the museum was placed under the Ministry of Culture, adding a Cultural and Creative Marketing Division to promote cultural products such as stamps, public art collaborations, and merchandise inspired by its collections. With nine museum stores—seven located in airports—it provides refined cultural services for travelers while enhancing the museum’s brand visibility and Taiwan’s cultural image. The museum also promotes “public-interest cultural creativity,” extending resources to serve society. Since its founding, its mission has evolved with the times while maintaining its dedication to public service. In 2013, it received the Excellence Award in the 5th Government Service Quality Awards. The museum continues striving to offer high-quality visitor experiences and create a vibrant cultural landmark in the capital.
