Relive the Glory Days of Terrazzo Floor Tiles!“Dihua 207 Museum” Now Open to the Public Free of Charge

▲“Dihua 207” has been reborn from a corner building constructed in 1962 into a small-scale museum. (Photo/Authorized by Dihua 207 Museum, the same applies to all below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Yet another historic building in Dadaocheng has been turned into a museum. The “Dihua 207 Museum” officially opened to the public on April 16, featuring its first special exhibition “Art Is Everywhere – Taiwanese Terrazzo.” From now until December 10, visitors can enjoy free admission.

▲Ms. Chen Kuo-tzu, founder of “Dihua 207,” delivering a speech at the opening ceremony.

After a year of preparation, “Dihua 207” has been transformed from a corner building built in 1962 into a small museum. Originally, it housed the Kwang Ho Tang herbal medicine shop, which changed hands several times before being designated as a “Historical Building” by the Taipei City Government in 2009. In 2016, Ms. Chen Kuo-tzu purchased the property and founded the “Dihua 207 Museum” with the vision of promoting the revitalization of heritage sites, adding a fresh touch to the culturally rich district of Dadaocheng.

▲One of the terrazzo artworks inside the museum, “Bees Gathering Nectar.”

“Terrazzo” should not be unfamiliar to many older generations of Taiwanese. This construction technique was introduced from Japan during the Japanese colonial period. The museum primarily uses terrazzo as its building material, with numerous exquisitely crafted terrazzo artworks displayed on the first and second floors. On the first floor, there are pieces such as “Bees Gathering Nectar” and “Old Mountain Korean Ginseng”; on the second floor, “Grapes” designed with English letter shapes; the third floor showcases 16 photographic works themed around “rooftops.” Additionally, an illustration of a hearth by illustrator Liang Gen is located on the rooftop, where visitors can also overlook Dadaocheng’s red-brick rooftops and street scenes.

▲The third floor displays 16 photographic works themed around “rooftops.”

Chen Kuo-tzu stated that visitors are welcome to freely “explore” the four floors of the old building, viewing the thematic exhibitions and photography displays while enjoying a self-serve cup of tea or coffee and taking in the street views. She believes that those who love old architecture and have a taste for cultural spaces will find it hard to leave.

▲The rooftop (fourth floor) of “Dihua 207” offers views of Dihua Street’s red-brick rooftops and street scenes.

Special Exhibition: “Art Is Everywhere – Taiwanese Terrazzo”
Address: No. 207, Section 1, Dihua Street, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2557 3680*11
Exhibition Period: From April 16, 2017, to December 10
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10:00–17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Official Website