Museum of Justice Introduction
The only preserved Pennsylvania-style prison building in the world - Chiayi Prison. Completed and put into operation in the 11th year of the Taisho period (1922) and originally named the Tainan Prison Chiayi Branch, it was renamed Tainan Penal Institution Chiayi Branch in 1924. After 1945, it was referred to as the Third Prison First Sub-prison and was renamed Taiwan Chiayi Prison in the 36th year of the Republic (1947). In March of the 83rd year (1994), it relocated to Luk Tsao Township, and the old facility was reestablished as Chiayi Prison Chiayi Branch. The internal facilities are well-preserved, and the complete hardware and equipment can provide practical education on legal systems and human rights evolution, as well as serve multiple purposes such as exhibition on prison administration development. The architectural style, spatial design, and construction methods of the Chiayi Branch are distinctive, with a fan-shaped radial central control system that meets the ideal prototype for inmate confinement and control. The workshops and dormitories are built with high ceilings and feature various styles of ventilating windows to accommodate ventilation, lighting, moisture prevention, and aerial patrol needs. Additionally, doors, windows, and wall panels are made from Alishan cypress wood, with special requirements for strength, durability, and escape prevention, making it of considerable preservation value.
