Beitou Museum

Was this grand manor house once a luxurious hot spring hotel? Take a closer look at the Beitou Museum. You’ll find yourself standing before a testament to Taiwan’s rich history and enduring architectural beauty. Originally built in 1921, the Beitou Museum started its life as the Kazan Hotel. It was the most opulent hot spring resort of its time. The hotel bore witness to changing times. During World War II, it served as a lodging place for Japanese Kamikaze pilots. The tatami room on the second floor held a somber significance. It was there that these pilots shared their last meal before embarking on their fateful missions. After the war, the Beitou Museum transitioned through various roles. It served as a dormitory for the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even gained fame as the “Old Moon Manor” when it was featured in a popular costume drama. Eventually, a visionary founder recognized the building’s cultural value and established the Taiwan Folk Art and Antique House within its walls. The focus was on preserving and showcasing Taiwan’s rich folk heritage and indigenous art traditions. Over the years, the institution evolved, and the name “Beitou Museum” was adopted to reflect its broader mission. In 1998, the Taipei City Government recognized the museum’s historical significance and designated it as a protected site. The Beitou Museum stands today as one of the largest surviving examples of Japanese wooden architecture in Taiwan, a testament to a bygone era and a treasure trove of cultural insights.