Nantou County History Museum is a local-history exhibition hall housed in a former Butokuden (martial arts hall) built in 1937, originally used by police for judo and kendo training; after passing through several government agencies postwar and suffering severe damage in the 1999 921 earthquake, the building was renovated and reopened as the county history museum in 2001, displaying artifacts and documents spanning the Qing, Japanese colonial, and postwar eras of Nantou County.
The main building of Nantou County History Museum was originally a Japanese-era Butokuden (martial arts hall), constructed in 1937 for police judo and kendo training. After the war it served in turn as the county police headquarters, a provincial mountain agriculture and animal husbandry bureau, an employee co-op, and the county environmental protection bureau. The 1999 921 earthquake caused severe damage; after a year of repairs, it reopened in October 2001 as the county history museum (Museums of Taiwan, Ministry of Culture).
Highlights of Nantou County History Museum
As the county seat, Nantou City's own urban history is closely intertwined with the administrative history of Nantou County as a whole. The museum's collections include Qing dynasty documents, Japanese colonial-era photographs and records, and postwar local governance literature — a comprehensive span of time. The local historical materials compiled by the museum form an important primary-source repository for studying the history of Nantou's various townships, and regular themed exhibitions bring local history closer to the general public.
While most of Nantou City's Japanese colonial administrative buildings have since been rebuilt, some spaces still retain traces of historical architectural vocabulary. Combined with the museum's artifact displays, a visit allows you to piece together a historical picture of this county-seat city. The archival access service is especially meaningful for those researching family history, local cultural and historical workers, or visitors with personal ties to Nantou — museum staff can assist in locating relevant documents.
Making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- The Nantou County History Museum is located near Fuhou Street in Nantou City. Nantou City has a bus terminal with services from various locations; the museum is within walking distance of the city center.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to use the archival service, contact the museum ahead of time to book. Check the official announcements for opening hours and closing days.
Nearby connections
- Heading from Nantou City toward Caotun (about 10 km), you reach Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve and the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute — combinable as a Nantou–Caotun culture-and-landscape itinerary.
- Heading toward Puli along Highway 14, you can visit Guangxing Paper Mill, Huisun Forest, and other Puli and Guoxing Township attractions.
Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Nantou County History Museum building originally used for?
It was a 1937 Butokuden (martial arts hall) where police trained in judo and kendo.
When did the museum reopen after renovation?
It was badly damaged in the 1999 921 earthquake and reopened in October 2001 after a year of repairs.
What does the museum display?
Local historical artifacts and documents from Nantou County spanning the Qing dynasty, Japanese colonial era, and postwar periods.
Sources
- 南投縣縣史館 — 文化部博物之島，建築沿革與921地震修復年份