Bursting with culture and history, Taipei is home to many world-class museums that offer deep insights into Taiwan’s rich heritage and diverse past.
But if you’re looking to gain some knowledge that veers from the conventional, the city is also home to a number of smaller museums that showcase more unique aspects of local culture.
From intricate miniatures to booming local industries, these offbeat repositories provide a delightful glimpse into Taipei’s unexpected treasures.
1. Suho Memorial Paper Museum
The Suho Memorial Paper Museum was the brainchild of Chen Suho, a lifelong paper maker who wished to preserve this ancient art as part of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.
Chen tragically perished in a plane crash in 1990 before the museum he envisaged became a reality, but it was eventually opened by his daughter five years later.
The museum is a love letter to traditional papermaking, exploring the art’s detailed history and techniques over the centuries. There are also exhibits of exquisite handmade paper products and delicate paper artwork.
One highlight is the opportunity to try your hand at papermaking. Immerse yourself in this age-old tradition’s artistry and create your own sheets of handmade paper during your visit here.
Address: No. 68, ChangAn East Rd Section 2, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Phone: +886 2 2507 5535
2. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
Step into the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan and be instantly transported into a whimsical world of tiny, meticulously crafted replicas.
Touted as the first of its kind in Asia, the museum was founded by local businessman Lin Wen-ren and his wife. The couple decided to start their own collection after encountering miniature art in the Netherlands, sourcing for pieces while travelling in Europe and the US.
Prepare to be impressed by the wide range of miniature scenes here inspired by both real-life locations and fictional wonderlands. Highlights include a miniature replica of Buckingham Palace and the Rose Mansion, an elaborate dollhouse that took four years to build.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out, where you can pick up your own gorgeous miniature set.
Address: 10489, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Section 1, Jianguo N Rd, 96號B1
Phone: +886 2 2515 0583
3. Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry
For an in-depth look into the art of pastry-making, head over to the Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry. Kuo Yuan Ye has been a family-run business baking pastries in Taipei for over 150 years.
The exhibits focus on traditional pastries, highlighting their long heritage and important symbolism in cultural festivals. There’s also a wide collection of baking tools, moulds and packaging on display.
Be sure to sign up for a baking workshop during your visit here, especially if you have little ones in tow. The interactive experience of learning how to make signature delicacies like pineapple tarts is one of the museum’s major draws.
Wrap up your tour of the museum with a stop at the in-house pastry shop, where you can sample freshly baked treats or take some away for a teatime snack.
Address: 111, Taiwan, Taipei City, Shilin District, Wenlin Rd, 546號4樓
Phone: +886 2 2838 2700#457
4. Museum of Drinking Water
The Museum of Drinking Water is perhaps best known for its unique location – it is situated within Taipei Water Park, one of the few recreational water parks in the city.
The museum itself is housed in a beautifully preserved historic pumphouse built in 1908. Its exhibits showcase the evolution of the city’s drinking water system, from early development to modern-day advancements.
Some of the equipment from the old treatment facility remains on display, as well as municipal documents related to water distribution throughout the years. There’s also information on the technology behind Taipei’s water infrastructure today.
The museum’s exterior makes for an impressive display of Baroque architecture, making it a favoured site for bridal photographs and local advertisement shoots.
Address: No. 1, Siyuan St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Phone: +886 2 8369 5104
5. Evergreen Maritime Museum
Whether you’re deeply passionate about maritime history or just have a fleeting interest in ships, the Evergreen Maritime Museum is well worth a visit.
The museum’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its collection of carefully crafted model ships, showcasing iconic vessels from different periods throughout world history.
The rest of the exhibits cover a broad range of subjects, from ancient navigation techniques to modern shipping innovations. You’ll also gain insight into the seafaring history and trade routes that have shaped Taiwan’s economy.
As the museum was founded by the Evergreen Group, you’ll be able to find out more about the shipping company’s significant role in the global shipping industry.
Address: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Zhongshan S Rd, 11號5樓
Phone: +886 2 2351 6699
This story by Jacie Tan Cheng Hwee was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
