Visiting the National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Branch In Taipei
I visited the Nanmen Branch of the National Taiwan Museum on a hot summer day in 2025.
While having a bowl of tofu jelly (豆花) on the second floor of Nanmen Market, I searched for nearby attractions and noticed this museum, just a few minutes away on foot. I decided to step out and take a look.
It turned out to be a rewarding visit! If you are interested in learning about Taiwan’s history, I think you’ll appreciate this place too.
The museum was once a government-owned factory during the Japanese colonial period. It played a central role in two tightly controlled industries: camphor and opium （yes, you read it right, opium).
It is a small museum, but it provides a clear context for an important period in Taiwan’s history. If you are curious about Taiwan beyond food, shopping, and landmarks, this is a great place to visit.
Visiting National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Branch
- Google Maps: National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Branch
- MRT: Red Line or Green Line to CKS Memorial Hall Station, use Exit 1 or Exit 7. Walk 5 minutes.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9:30 am-5 pm （Ticket Booth Hours : 9:30 am – 4:30 pm）
- Tickets: NT$30 for Adults / NT$15 for Students and Seniors (about 1 US dollar/50 cents. Very affordable!)
The Building Structures
The first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful red brick building, often referred to as the Red House. It was originally a camphor warehouse and is now where the main exhibitions are located.
Nearby is the so-called Little White House, which served as the warehouse for opium at one time. It is now an open space used to house special events. The space was empty when I visited, and I really loved the building’s architectural design.
You’ll also notice other exterior elements as you walk around the site, including a large historic water reservoir and sections of the original perimeter wall.
I really loved the buildings here. The red brick exterior, the open space between the structures, and the overall layout create a calm and visually pleasing atmosphere.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in the exhibitions inside, this is still a lovely place to walk around and take beautiful photos.
What You’ll See Inside The “Red House” Building
The exhibitions on camphor and opium are part of the permanent collection and are located on the first floor.
You’ll see many displays explaining how these industries were managed under the government monopoly system during the Japanese colonial period, from production and processing to storage and regulation.
The second floor is used for special exhibitions, which are rotated periodically. When I visited, the exhibition upstairs focused on environmental protection. It was educational and children-friendly.
“Nanmen Factory” During The Japanese Colonial Period
During the Japanese colonial period (from 1895 to 1945), this site functioned as a government-owned factory (Nanmen Factory). It was part of a monopoly system that placed camphor and opium under strict state control.
Camphor
At the time, Taiwan was one of the world’s most important sources of natural camphor.
Camphor was widely used in medicine, as an insect repellent, and in industrial products, and it was considered a valuable strategic resource.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, camphor exports from Taiwan and Japan dominated the global camphor market, giving them the ability to control both supply and prices.
Because of this, camphor production was tightly managed by the government. This factory handled processing, storage, and quality control as part of a centralized system.
Opium
The role of opium here is often misunderstood, so it helps to clarify.
The colonial government did not encourage opium use. Instead, it implemented a strict monopoly system to control it. Only registered users with permits could legally purchase opium, and all distribution was managed by the state.
This site was involved in inspection, storage, and regulation. The policy aimed to limit use and gradually reduce the number of users over time, while keeping the trade under tight supervision.
Official opium production continued until June 1945, near the end of Japanese rule.
After The Japanese Colonial Period
After Japanese rule ended in 1945, the site was taken over by the Republic of China government and continued to operate as part of the state monopoly system.
As global demand for natural camphor declined and synthetic alternatives became more common, the factory gradually lost its purpose. Operations officially ended in 1967.
Over time, most of the original factory land was redeveloped for government use. Only a small portion of the original complex was preserved, which is what you see today.
Final Thoughts
The Nanmen Branch of the National Taiwan Museum is an easy place to overlook, but it’s worth a stop if you want to understand a different side of Taiwan’s history.
This is not a large or flashy museum, and the visit doesn’t take long. What it offers instead is clear context. The exhibitions explain how camphor and opium were managed under a government monopoly system, and how these industries shaped daily life during the Japanese colonial period.
If you enjoy quiet museums, well-preserved historic buildings, and exhibitions that focus on how systems worked rather than individual artifacts, this is a place you’ll likely appreciate. It fits especially well into a day already planned around Nanmen Market or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
I hope this article is helpful to you!
