228 National Memorial Museum Introduction
Located at the intersection of Nanhai Road and Quanzhou Street in Taipei City, it was originally the "Taiwan Education Hall." The building was constructed in 1931 and served as a venue for the exhibition of Taiwan's educational achievements and art exhibitions, among other purposes. It was designed by Kengo Maeda, the head of the Construction Department of the Governor-General's Office, which gives it a style similar to that of a public hall, featuring a modern eclectic architectural style with brown face bricks on the exterior and geometric patterns of washed stones on the parapet. After the war in 1945, it briefly served as a gathering place for the Provincial Council, and after 1959, it was rented by the United States Information Service in Taiwan. Following the severing of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the U.S. in 1979, it was renamed the "American Cultural Center," continuing to function in that capacity until 2001. Subsequently, a five-year restoration project was undertaken, and on February 28, 2007, it was formally designated as the "228 National Memorial Museum." The museum officially opened to the public on February 28, 2011. This building was designated as a historic site by the Taipei City Government in 1993 and holds significant historical value as an example of 1930s style in modern Taipei architecture, reflecting the progression of Taiwan's modern history. The museum features a permanent exhibition area on the February 28 Incident, a special exhibition area, cultural and artistic spaces, and a multifunctional performance hall. In addition to historical education-related displays, it also hosts activities related to democracy and human rights, aiming to introduce the February 28 Incident and the modern democratic process while providing avenues for human rights education.
