Want to dive into the heart of Taiwan’s vibrant culture? October 17, Taiwan Culture Day, is the perfect opportunity! This annual celebration honors the pioneering spirit of the Taiwan Cultural Association, founded a century ago, and invites everyone to connect with the island’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Best of all, museums and cultural sites across Taiwan offer free admission on this day!
This year’s theme, “Unite in Culture: Forging Taiwan’s Path,” brings together a dynamic lineup of literary talks, guided tours, theater performances, and music events, showcasing the diverse facets of Taiwanese culture.
The Origin of Taiwan Culture Day
On October 17, 1921, visionaries like Lin Hsien-tang, Chiang Wei-shui, Tsai Pei-huo, and Lai Ho established the Taiwan Cultural Association in Taipei’s Dadaocheng, using art, theater, and ideas to spark a cultural awakening and foster Taiwanese identity.
To carry forward this legacy, the Ministry of Culture designated October 17 as Taiwan Culture Day, keeping the flame of cultural pride alive. This year, seize the chance to visit iconic sites like the National Palace Museum, Taiwan Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, New Taipei City Art Museum, National Railway Museum, or Tainan’s Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum for a memorable cultural journey.
Taiwan Culture Day: Free Admission Museums and Sites on October 17
Below is a concise, region-organized list of free-entry museums and cultural sites for October 17, making it easy to plan your cultural adventure 👇
🏙 Taipei
Image source: National Railway Museum
• National Palace Museum (Northern Branch, First Exhibition Hall)
• Taipei Fine Arts Museum (Free entry through October 31)
• National Railway Museum (Diesel Workshop, free on the day)
• National Taiwan Museum (Main Building, Paleontology Museum, Nanmen Museum, Railway Park)
• National Taiwan Science Education Center
• National Taiwan Arts Education Center
• Taipei Puppet Theater Museum
• Beitou Hot Spring Museum
• National Central Library
• National Taiwan Literature Museum (Taipei Branch)
• National Taiwan Craft Development Center (Taipei Contemporary Craft Design Branch)
Image Source: Taipei Puppet Theater Museum Official Site
🏞 New Taipei City
• New Taipei City Art Museum
• Yingge Ceramics Museum
• Tamsui Historical Museum (Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort, Little White House)
• Gold Museum
• Shisanhang Museum
• Lin Family Mansion and Garden
• Pinglin Tea Industry Museum
• National Human Rights Museum
⚓ Keelung
• Keelung Story Museum
🌿 Yilan
• Yilan Museum of Art
• Yilan Literary Museum
• Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park
✈ Taoyuan
Image Source: Taoyuan Children’s Art Museum
• Taoyuan Children’s Art Museum
• Hengshan Calligraphy Art Museum
• Taiwan Hakka Tea Culture Museum
🧪 Hsinchu
• Hsinchu National Museum of Living Aesthetics
• Xiao Rusong Art Park
🍃 Miaoli
• Taiwan Hakka Culture Museum
🖼 Taichung
• National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
• Taichung Literature Museum
• Taichung Fiber Craft Museum
🌾 Changhua
• Changhua County Art Museum
🪵 Nantou
• Nantou Bamboo Art Museum
🌳 Chiayi
• National Palace Museum Southern Branch
• Chiayi City Museum
• Chiayi City Art Museum
🏛 Tainan
Image Source: Cultural Affairs Bureau,Tainan City Government
• National Museum of Taiwan History
• National Museum of Taiwan Literature
• Chihkan Tower
• Anping Old Fort
• Anping Tree House
• Eternal Golden Castle
• Southern Taiwan Science Park Archaeology Museum (Free entry for three days starting October 17 for its 6th anniversary)
🌇 Kaohsiung
• Jiancheng Pavilion
• National Center for Traditional Arts (Kaohsiung Branch)
• Taiwan Military Dependents’ Village Cultural Park
🌴 Pingtung
• Liudui Hakka Cultural Park
• Pingtung 1936 Cultural Base
• Pingtung County Wangchuan Culture Museum
🏔 Hualien
• Hualien County Archaeological Museum
🌊 Taitung
• Taitung Art Museum
On October 17, museums, galleries, and historic sites across Taiwan open their doors for free, inviting you to explore the island’s cultural treasures and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Taiwan Cultural Association!
