Presidential Office Building, Republic of China Introduction
Starting from May 20, 2024, to facilitate the renovation of the exhibition space open to public visits, weekday and holiday visiting activities will be temporarily suspended, with the reopening date to be announced later. The Japanese rule over Taiwan was not merely an expansion of territory but was the first step in a broader colonial plan for East Asia. Thus, they aimed to set up exemplary models everywhere to display to other "submissive" new colonies in the future. In pursuit of this colonial objective, they looked to the West as a model and constructed many European Baroque-style buildings in Taiwan, which are considered outstanding architectural feats today. The Presidential Office, originally the Governor-General's Office during the Japanese era, was completed in 1919. At that time, the governor would overlook East Taipei from his office, witnessing the sunrise each day while planning for a sustainable grand vision. From the seventh governor onward, a total of 13 governors worked here. After the restoration, the Southeastern Military Commander's Office led by Chen Cheng, along with the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China and the Presidential Office, shared this building. Subsequent presidents have used this building as the Presidential Office, where they manage numerous affairs daily.
