From door gods, iron latticed windows, to Japanese colonial styled glass windows, a visit at the “WINDOWS & DOORS, Your View, My Home,” now exhibited at Museum 207 would lead you to a world of past generations, as if giving you a glimpse of early Taiwan life through the lens of a kaleidoscope.

Source: Justin Wu

Source: Justin Wu

Constructed in 1962, Museum 207 was designated a "Historic Building" by the Taipei City Government in 2009. It was acquired by Ms. K.C. Chen in 2016, founder and sponsor of Taipei Story House from 2003-2015 and also the first individual person to sponsor the preservation and revival of a heritage site in Taiwan. On April 15, 2017, as an initiative to promote the preservation and revival of heritage buildings in Taiwan, Ms. K.C. Chen founded Museum 207 in this historic area of Taipei. Through her sponsorship of the museum's operation and its diversified cultural activities, it is hoped that the revival of this beautiful old building will inspire visitors to cherish heritage buildings as well as the rich cultural history of Taiwan.

With its terrazzo patterned floors, iron latticed windows and diamond crystal glass, the building itself is a focus of the exhibition.

Museum 207, Source: Justin Wu

Source: Justin Wu

Terrazzo was introduced from Japan. Taiwan artisans developed it with the bronze inlay technique and coloring to create complex compositions. Terrazzo was widely used between the 1960's and 1980's. It is representative of aesthetics in that era. As construction techniques progressed, most of the artisans have retired and the art of terrazzo is gradually fading.

Source: Museum 207

Eunuchs as Door Gods?

Menshen (door gods) are not gods, but guardians of a building that are deified in old novels and plays. Designing of the Menshen paintings on traditional household doors is usually based on the owner’s preference or characteristics. Since Goddess Mazu’s residence should not have male strangers near, and palaces usually have eunuchs as guardians, the castrated servants gradually took on the role as Menshens. (Read: The Mazu Pilgrimage Experience)

Source: Justin Wu

Haunted Rumors of Taipei Guest House

Yang Sheng, with 20 years of experience in historic structure engineering, has been the doctor of renowned historical architecture such as The Presidential Office Building, and Taipei Guest House. According to him, it is the traditional hand-blown glass windows with their bubble flaws and wrinkles casting spooky shadowing to the rattling windows that are held accountable for Taipei Guest House’s haunted rumors.

Source: Justin Wu

Museum 207
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday (Closed on Tuesdays) ：10:00-17:00
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays：10:00-17:30

Transportation Suggestions
No.207, Sec. 1, Dihua St., Datong Dist., Taipei City 103
MRT: Daqiaotou Station, Orange Line
Bus Stops: Liangzhou and Chongqing Intersection, Baoan St. Entrance

Edited and Translated by Sharon Tseng
Source: Min Chou from CommonWealth Magazine, Museum 207 official website

Additional Reading

♦ Taiwan Architecture Seeks Global Exposure
♦ Taking Taiwan’s Culture to the Runways of London and Paris
♦ Five Questions asked by the Taiwan-Curious