The National Museum of Taiwan Literature is housed in a building from the Japanese colonial period in Tainan's West Central District, a short walk from Tainan Train Station. It was founded in October 2003 as the first national museum in Taiwan dedicated to literature. The exhibits trace the island's writing from early Indigenous traditions through the Japanese colonial period, the postwar years and contemporary voices. Admission is free. Start on the first floor, where the displays are strongest, and look for the stamp activities placed through the galleries.
A colonial-era building
The museum occupies a building that dates to the Japanese colonial period. It was completed in 1916 and once housed Tainan's city hall. One source credits the design to the architect Moriyama Matsunosuke, who also worked on the Presidential Office Building in Taipei.
The building mixes older and newer features, so the rooms feel both historic and current. It sits on a busy traffic circle, and at night it is well lit, so it is worth a look after dark as well.
What the galleries cover
The museum traces Taiwanese literature from the pre-Han era of the island's Indigenous peoples to the present day. Exhibits pair written texts with original manuscripts, readings, video footage and literary relics.
Several themes stand out. Journals from the Japanese occupation sit alongside works from the censorship period before the 1990s. Artefacts from the Japanese period and from mainland China are also on show. Some displays cover feminist, queer and erotic writing from Taiwan.
A large hall is devoted to literature in mother-tongue languages: Hakka, Taiwanese and Indigenous dialects. The collection also includes works by Indigenous writers. Permanent galleries are joined by temporary exhibitions and some immersive displays, so the content can change between visits.
Reading the displays
The main panels are in Mandarin and English. Many of the smaller text excerpts are in Chinese only, so a translation app helps with those. Interactive exhibits and stamp activities run through the rooms, and an audio guide machine is available.
The interactive exhibits suit children, and the museum has children's books in English. Families with young children will find the displays easy to follow with a little patience and a translation app.
Planning a visit
Set aside 90 minutes or more. Begin on the first floor, where the displays are most engaging. The second floor has a small exhibit in Chinese only, so you can skip it if your time is short. The museum is closed on Mondays.
The museum runs tours, and it has a cafe, a restaurant and a gift shop on site. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and there is a changing table for babies.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission to the National Museum of Taiwan Literature is free.
How long do you need at the museum?
Plan for 90 minutes or more. Start on the first floor, where the displays are most engaging, and skip the small second-floor exhibit if your time is short.
Is the museum closed on any day?
Yes, the museum is closed on Mondays. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Are the exhibits in English?
The main panels are in Mandarin and English. Many of the smaller text excerpts are in Chinese only, so a translation app helps with those.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
