Discover the Art of Papermaking: 4 Reasons to Visit Suho Memorial Paper Museum in Taipei （樹火紀念紙博物館）
If you’re interested in exploring Taiwan’s unique traditional paper-making process, the Suho Memorial Paper Museum (樹火紀念紙博物館) in Taipei is the perfect place to visit for a hands-on experience.
I took my son to the museum on a hot summer afternoon in 2023, and it proved to be an educational and fun experience for both of us! One of the highlights was the hands-on paper-making class, where we got to create our own paper to take home with us.
This article shares my experience and why you (and your kids) will enjoy the Suho Memorial Paper Museum.
Getting There
The Suho Memorial Paper Museum (樹火紀念紙博物館) is located at No. 68, Section 2, Chang’an East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City. Here is how to get there by public transportation:
- Bannan Line (Blue Line): Get off at Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (忠孝新生站), take Exit 4, and walk north along Songjiang Road. Turn right onto Chang’an East Road. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
- Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Orange Line) or Songshan-Xindian Line (Green Line): Get off at Songjiang Nanjing Station (松江南京站), take Exit 4, and walk south along Songjiang Road. After crossing Chang’an East Road, turn left. The walk takes about 5 minutes.
- If you are taking the bus, you can get off at “Chang’an East Road Section 2” (長安東路二段) or “Chang’an Songjiang Intersection” (長安松江路口).
About The Museum
Established in honor of Chen Su Ho, a key figure in Taiwan’s paper industry, the Suho Memorial Paper Museum offers an engaging look at history and craftsmanship. The museum is organized across 4 floors, each showcasing different aspects of paper history.
1st Floor – you can explore the showroom with unique paper products and watch live demonstrations of traditional papermaking in the Paper Mill. The gift shop is also located on the first floor.
2nd Floor – there are rotating art exhibitions that change 3-4 times a year.
3rd Foor – you’ll find permanent exhibits highlighting the paper’s role in daily life and the fascinating techniques behind its creation.
4th Foor – this is where the fun starts—you can sign up for a class and experience the hands-on papermaking process yourself in the Activity and Experience Zone.
You will find the following info useful:
- The museum has an admission fee of TWD 50, which gives you access to all galleries.
- You can sign up for a papermaking class at the museum entrance. The cost will depend on the type of paper products you choose to create.
- Museum hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays.
- Remember to check the museum’s official website for any changes in the schedule or ticket prices before your visit.
About The Paper-Making Class
The Suho Memorial Paper Museum offers engaging hands-on paper-making workshops suitable for visitors aged 3 and above. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to experience traditional paper-making techniques firsthand.
Class Schedule:
- Tuesday to Friday: Sessions at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
- Saturday: Sessions at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
Each workshop lasts approximately 40 minutes, with an additional 15-minute period afterward for drying and packaging your handmade paper.
Due to limited availability, it’s recommended to purchase tickets at least 30 minutes before the session starts.
Pricing:
- Plain Paper Experience: NT$200 per participant.
- Floral Handmade Paper Experience: NT$280 per participant, with a duo discount available at NT$460 for two participants.
- Optional DIY Material Kit – Handmade Book: NT$110 per kit. This kit allows you to use your crafted paper as a book cover, creating a personalized keepsake either on-site or at home.
To ensure the schedules and pricing are current, please visit the museum’s official website.
4 Reasons You (And Your Kids) Will Enjoy Suho Memorial Paper Museum
The highlights of your visits will be:
- Learn about Taiwan’s unique papermaking process
- Get hands-on learning experience
- Capture beautiful photos of paper displays
- Browse and shop paper products and souvenirs
Learn About Taiwan’s Unique Papermaking Process
Did you know that bamboo bark was the primary material used to make paper in Taiwan? Since bamboo grew abundantly there, it became a key local resource for this craft.
At the museum, you can learn about the history of papermaking in Taiwan and discover how this traditional process evolved over time.
The museum also offers many hands-on exhibits where you can see and feel different types of raw paper materials and the final paper products.
All the exhibit descriptions and videos in the museum are in both Chinese and English, so there is no need to worry about not be able to understand (I paid attention to this detail because my son is much more fluent in English reading than Chinese).
Get Hands-On Learning Experience
The highlight of our visit was the paper-making class, where we had the opportunity to experience the traditional method of ‘wash’ papers and make our own paper to take home!
We signed up for the paper-making class at the entrance, where we picked the type of paper we wanted to make. People gathered at the meeting spot on the fourth floor when it was time for class.
Our guide introduced the process, explained and showed us the raw materials, tools, and the proper way for washing and pressing paper. Then, everyone took turns washing and pressing their own paper.
The paper-washing part was definitely harder than it seemed, as it took several tries to capture the pulp evenly on the mesh screen. But our guide was very patient in helping everyone and corrected our techniques as needed.
Afterward, we handed our pressed paper to the staff for drying. By the end of our visit, we received our beautifully packed paper, complete with our name on it—a perfect keepsake to remember the experience!
Capture Beautiful Photos Of Paper Displays
The Suho Memorial Paper Museum isn’t just a place to learn – it’s also a beautiful place!
There are paper artworks and creative displays all around the museum. Whether you love taking pictures or just want to remember your visit, you’ll find many great spots to snap and share.
Browse And Shop Paper Products And Souvenirs
After you explore the museum, don’t forget to check out their gift shop.
You’ll find lots of cool things made from paper, such as fancy notebooks and beautiful paper artwork. It’s a great place to pick a special souvenir to remember your visit.
Nearby Attractions
After you visit the museum, don’t forget to stop by 台北犁記 (Taipei Leechi) bakery right across the street. This brand has been around for more than 100 years and is famous for its delicious Taiwanese treats like pineapple cakes and moon cakes. They’re perfect to take home or enjoy right away.
Conclusion
The Suho Memorial Paper Museum is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy! It’s perfect for anyone who loves paper products and interested in learning about paper-making process.
If you’re in Taipei, I highly recommend visiting this museum. It’s a fun way to learn about Taiwan’s paper-making history while having a great time!
