National Museum of History (國立歷史博物館)

Unfortunately, as of March 2020, the National Museum of History is closed indefinitely for renovations. However, with restrictions on flights from China and other affected countries due to COVID-19 there are very few tourists in Taiwan, making this a perfect time to visit the National Palace Museum.

The National Museum of History was the first museum to be established after the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan (the much older National Taiwan Museum was already built at the time). It was opened in 1955 in a Japanese-style building, originally to display artifacts from the Henan Museum, one of the oldest museums in China. The museum also includes artifacts recovered from Japan after the Treaty of Shimonoseki (in which China gave up sovereignty of Taiwan to Japan) and many items purchased or donated since.

Alternative to National Palace Museum

The National Museum of History is very much a little sister to the National Palace Museum. Both of which display priceless artifacts which the Chinese Nationalist Party rescued from China (the National Museum of History from Henan and the National Palace Museum from Beijing). While the Palace Museum is much more famous, since only about one per cent of its artifacts are on display at any time, and even the most prized possessions are sometimes loaned to other museums, the National Museum of History is an alternative well worth considering. It's much more easily accessible from Taipei and located right beside the Botanical Gardens, it's much less crowded and admission is a small fraction of the price.

Essentials

10:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays
Xiaonanmen Station
49 Nanhai Road
台北市南海路49號
Admission: NT30
(02) 2361-0270
Website

Essentials 10:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays Xiaonanmen Station 49 Nanhai Road 台北市南海路49號 Admission: NT30 (02) 2361-0270 Website

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