The Presidential Office Building is a red-brick administration building completed in 1919, originally the seat of Taiwan's Japanese colonial government and now the office of the President of the Republic of China, designated a national historic site in 1998.
The building's design, based on an earlier competition entry by Nagano Uheiji, was modified by Governor-General's Office engineer Moriyama Matsunosuke. Construction began in June 1912 and was completed in March 1919; the central tower stands about 60 meters tall, making it Taiwan's tallest building at the time. It was designated a national historic monument in 1998.
Highlights of the Presidential Office Building
Designed by Japanese architect Nagano Uheiji, construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1919. The floor plan takes the shape of the character "日" when viewed from above. The facade features Corinthian colonnades, arched windows, and alternating red and white brick masonry. The 60-meter central tower was the tallest structure in Taiwan at the time of completion, symbolizing the power center of colonial rule. After World War II, it became the office of the President of the Republic of China and remains so today.
The main facade faces east, with open colonnades and the central entrance staircase preserved in their original layout. The red-brick exterior has deepened in color over the decades. On open-visit days (usually specific weekends and major holidays), visitors can enter certain floors and exhibition halls to learn about the building's history and Taiwan's political development. The interior is not open to the general public on regular weekdays. For most visitors, viewing the exterior from Ketagalan Boulevard across the street is the primary experience.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to NTU Hospital Station, or the Songshan-Xindian Line to Ximen Station, and walk about 10 minutes.
- For visiting hours and how to apply for access, check the official Presidential Office website. The exterior can be viewed from surrounding streets at any time on regular weekdays; entry is not permitted.
- During National Day (October 10) ceremonies, traffic controls are in place nearby. Check announcements from the Taipei City Government.
Nearby Connections
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei Guest House, and the Judicial Yuan are all within walking distance, forming a half-day route through Taipei's Japanese colonial architecture.
- Boai Road nearby has traditional bookshops and stationery stores worth browsing after an architectural walk.
Source: Official Presidential Office information and publicly available materials on Taiwan's architectural history. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Presidential Office Building completed?
Construction began in 1912 and finished in March 1919, based on a design by Nagano Uheiji that was later modified by Moriyama Matsunosuke.
How tall is the central tower?
The central tower is about 60 meters tall, making it Taiwan's tallest building at the time of completion.
Can the public visit the Presidential Office Building?
Yes, but only on specific weekends and major holidays when certain areas are opened; check the official website for schedules.
Sources
- 建築沿革-建築風華-參觀總統府｜中華民國總統府 — 設計者、動工竣工年份、塔樓高度