Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
The Huwei McKay Medical Museum is not only one of the designated historical sites in New Taipei City, but it is also the first Western-style hospital in northern Taiwan. Dr. George Leslie Mackay conducted missionary work and medical services here, and the museum exhibits medical instruments from that time, along with a biography of Dr. Mackay, his clothing, daily necessities, church-related items, and more. Highlights include an organ that was brought from abroad and had been displayed in Dr. Mackay's home for over a century, as well as the Tang suit worn by his family members. Visitors can learn about Dr. Mackay’s life and the medical environment of his time. In 1879, a woman, sharing the same last name as Mackay, donated funds to construct the Huwei McKay Medical Museum in memory of her late husband, Captain Mackay, and to honor Dr. Mackay's spirit of selfless service. The architecture features a traditional Chinese sloped roof and Minnan-style housing paired with Western window designs. The interior includes a fireplace, which was a necessary household item for Westerners at the time. It is hard to imagine that this simple building was the medical institution where the world’s first “lung fluke” was discovered. Today, after renovations, the museum not only showcases the life and achievements of Dr. Mackay but also houses the McKay Café, revitalizing the historical space for modern use. The Huwei McKay Medical Museum was personally designed by Mackay, featuring a Minnan-style residence while combining Western doors and windows, making it quite fascinating. Due to its location facing the riverside without a courtyard, the design adopted a reversed three-hall layout. The medical museum still retains its original appearance, and it contains some of the medical instruments used by Dr. Mackay during his practice. Visitors should call (886-2-2692515) to make an appointment with the Tamkang Church of Taiwan Presbyterian Church before visiting.
