Was it really dubbed “Seven Heavens”? This seemingly ordinary building, the Former Kikumoto Department Store, holds a story as grand as its nickname suggests. Right here, in the heart of Taipei, once stood Taiwan’s first department store, a beacon of modernity in the 1930s. Imagine the excitement as people gathered on December 3rd, 1932, for its grand opening. The Former Kikumoto Department Store wasn’t just about shopping; it symbolized Taiwan’s embrace of modern consumerism. This seven-story marvel, a skyscraper for its time, was designed by Chouichi Furukawa, who drew inspiration from New York City’s architectural trends. He incorporated covered sidewalks to combat Taipei’s intense sun and rain, a feature you can still appreciate today. The Former Kikumoto Department Store was also one of the first buildings in Taiwan to feature an elevator, attracting those eager for the novel experience of ascending to “Seven Heavens”. However, over the years, this grand dame of Taipei’s skyline underwent several ownership changes. The building we see today, sadly, is hidden behind glass curtain walls, a far cry from its former glory. It’s a stark reminder of how time can obscure even the most magnificent landmarks. But the story doesn’t end here. There’s a push to restore the Former Kikumoto Department Store to its original splendor, to peel back the layers of time and reveal the “Seven Heavens” once more. A large-scale reproduction of the original facade now graces the building, a promise of the grandeur to come.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to