Red House, Ximen Introduction
Ximen Red House was built in 1908 by Japanese architect Jin Neng-ju, consisting of an octagonal building and a cross-shaped building. It is Taiwan’s first officially constructed public market and is currently the oldest complete third-class historic building preserved in Taiwan. The octagonal building features a "Bagua shape," symbolizing gathering from all directions as its entrance, while the cross-shaped building serves as the main feature. Additionally, the two adjacent squares, North and South Squares, are collectively referred to as "Ximen Red House." Over the years, Ximen Red House has undergone role changes from a market to a bookstore, cinema, and theater. Starting in 2007, the Cultural Bureau of Taipei City Government entrusted the Taipei Cultural Foundation to manage operations, promoting a cultural and creative platform aimed at revitalizing the Ximen District's development goals. After more than a decade of operation, it has gradually accumulated cultural and creative energy, shaping into an iconic cultural and creative hub in Taipei and even Taiwan. The first floor of the octagonal building features a comprehensive exhibition space and dining area, including the tea house "Red House Tea Pavilion" for tea tasting and relaxation, and "Red House Picks," which curates Taiwanese style products. The second floor houses the quaint and unique professional performance venue "Second Floor Theater." The cross-shaped building includes the "Ximen Red House Riverside Live House" to promote the development of small cultural and creative industries and the exhibition space "16 Workshop." Additionally, the North and South Squares host diverse cultural experience activities, including fixed guided tours, creative talks, and handmade workshops, as well as weekend creative markets and irregular exhibitions in the central exhibition area.
