The National Museum of Taiwan History sits in Annan District, about eight kilometers north of Tainan's city center, in a three-storey building. Its permanent exhibition, Our Land, Our People: The Story of Taiwan, follows the island from prehistoric times to the present, covering Indigenous roots, the Dutch colonial era and the martial law period. Life-sized dioramas place you inside each period, and many placards are written in Mandarin and English. The Cloud Wall of solar panels on the building is a sight in its own right. Plan at least two hours for the full exhibition.
What the exhibition covers
The permanent exhibition, Our Land, Our People: The Story of Taiwan, starts with the prehistoric age and runs to the present. It covers Indigenous roots, the Dutch colonial era and the martial law period that followed the Second World War.
The post-war years are shown with life-sized scenes and settings meant to place you in each time. The exhibition does not avoid the difficult parts of the island's timeline, and its texts give more detail to visitors who want to read further.
Inside the building
The museum has three storeys. Its most noticeable feature is the Cloud Wall of solar panels, which is meant to link the historical stories inside with Taiwan's high-tech present.
The site has a restaurant on site and a small cafe for a break between galleries. It also hosts live performances and private events. The building has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, and there is a changing table for families.
Planning the visit
Most visits take two to three hours. A quicker walk-through can be done in an hour or two, but the audio guide and the placards reward a slower pace.
Tickets can be bought in advance, which the museum recommends. There is a free parking lot and a paid parking lot on the grounds, and free street parking is also available nearby.
Getting there
From the city center, bus 18 is one option. Heshun Bus Station is closer to the museum than the stop marked for it, so ask the driver or check the route before you ride.
By car, the route from National Freeway No. 1 at the Yongkang Interchange follows Zhongzheng N. Rd. and Yongan Rd., then continues on Changhe Rd. and crosses the Donghe Bridge. The drive takes around 15 minutes from the freeway exit.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum charges admission. The amount is not listed here, so check the museum's official website before you go.
How long do you need?
Plan at least two hours for the full exhibition. A quick visit can take an hour or two.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The life-sized displays appeal to children, and the audio guides include a children's version in Chinese.
Are the displays in English?
Many placards are written in Mandarin and English, and the adult audio guides come in Chinese and English.
Can I reach the museum by bus?
Bus 18 runs from the city center. Heshun Bus Station is closer to the museum than the stop marked for it.
