Taichung City Hall Introduction
Taichung City Hall was built during the Japanese colonial period in 1911 (Meiji 44) and is known for its Neoclassical architectural style, particularly featuring the red and white brick wall style of the Tatsuno school. It was the first reinforced concrete building in the Taichung area. Initially, it served as the office for the Taichung Hall Public Irrigation Association and the Taichung City Administrative Office, and it has also functioned as a municipal information center, news office, and office space for the Transportation Bureau. It is a famous landmark and a historical symbol of the city, designated as a historical building in 2002. The City Hall is designed in a Baroque-inspired style and is a large modern governmental building that emphasizes expressive forms in its openings, with a variety of door and window designs and meticulous decorations. The main entrance features a double-height columned porch with typical Ionic columns from Greece, complemented by a facade covered in stucco and keystone details, along with pediments adorned with medals. The classical ornate dome, composed of eight sets of wooden trusses, is not only eye-catching but also a rare example of a wooden dome from the same period in Taiwan, surrounded by circular skylights. This building combines brick, wood, reinforced concrete, and steel structures, making it a classic case of architectural technology during the Japanese colonial period. In 2004, the City Hall completed its investigation, research, and restoration planning, and the renovations were finished in 2016. The Cultural Affairs Bureau subsequently authorized private companies to operate it, and it is currently managed by "How You See Co., Ltd." The first floor, "You Yi Si Art Space," hosts themed permanent exhibitions and offers a shared reading space, showcasing local industries and providing experiences in humanistic aesthetics and handicrafts. The second floor features "Narratore," an Italian restaurant offering Northern Italian cuisine managed by Chef Lance, who previously worked at a Michelin one-star restaurant in Italy. It is hoped that Taichung City Hall will become a gathering place for cultural and artistic energy in the western district of Taichung, bridging the gap between the public and historical culture, promoting local economic revitalization, and becoming a representative historical and cultural building in Taichung. Opening hours: 1F "You Yi Si" Art Space: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM 2F "Narratore" Italian Restaurant: Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
