About Us

The development of railways has been inextricably linked to Taiwan’s modernization. Beyond external aspects such as transportation, industrial growth, land transformation, and urban expansion, the railway, as a century-long national infrastructure, has also played a critical role in advancing politics, economics, technology, and culture.

Looking back over the past century of railway development in Taiwan, railway-related elements have continuously served as carriers of memory and storytelling—appearing in physical forms, imagery, and as stage elements in literature, fine arts, music, and film. These appearances reflect how railways have become an inseparable part of Taiwan’s culture and collective memory, deeply embedded in everyday life and often taken for granted.

As industrial landscapes along railway lines undergo transformation and relocation, and as original rail routes face the pressures of urban development—progressively being elevated or moved underground—the National Railway Museum must respond to the broader discussion of how the transformation of the Taipei Railway Workshop should be interpreted and positioned, rather than merely serving as a means to preserve its historical legacy.

The global trend in museology has moved toward the practice of public museology, which not only actively engages with contemporary social issues and employs museum techniques to offer critical interpretations but also considers the diverse ways different cultures understand and interpret public issues. This shift positions museums as inclusive public spaces.

Therefore, the National Railway Museum will not only tell the story of railways but also explore the relationship between railways and the shaping of contemporary society. It aims to inspire the public to "see Taiwan through the railway, and see themselves through Taiwan," revisiting and reflecting on Taiwan's modernization journey. The museum will strive to be a "living railway museum," a "storytelling museum for the public," and one that reflects contemporary perspectives and social concern—responding to society’s expectations and reinterpreting the cultural memory of Taiwan’s railway history.

Among these, the concept of a “living railway museum” will be one of the most distinctive features in the planning of the National Railway Museum. Beyond preserving the spatial context and spirit of the former Taipei Railway Workshop, and under the framework of Industrial Heritage 2.0, the restoration of factory buildings, machinery, and railway vehicles is not limited to their ability to "move." Through spatial reconstruction, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, the core values of railway history, culture, and technology can be re-experienced and passed on in the public’s learning process—allowing these elements to be reinterpreted and brought to life within the unique context of the National Railway Museum.