National Theater

Designed in a classical Chinese style, this elegant golden pagoda hosts one of Taipei’s premier arts venues, which welcomes performers from all around the world.

Watch world-class performers in the stunning setting of Taipei’s National Theater. The venue itself, a palace-like building with a golden roof and red pillars, is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the city. Take some time simply to explore the building or buy tickets to something from its varied and intriguing schedule of shows.

The theater was built in an area that was historically used for military drills but has since been transformed into an artistic hub. Admire the traditional styles of a modern building, which was constructed in 1981 after the adjacent Memorial Hall was erected. The state-of-the-art auditorium was designed to host world-class shows and can seat more than 1,500 people across four floors.

Take a seat for a show in this stunning building and enjoy a performance in the atmospheric auditorium. Past performers here have included international ballet troupes, Japanese kabuki troupes and national theater companies.

Join a tour of the theater with a guide, who will show you behind the scenes of this national institution. Book ahead for one of the daily tours and specify your preferred language. Tours take about 60 minutes and show you every element of life in the theater.

The National Theater faces the National Concert Hall, part of the same overall institution. The gable-roofed concert hall hosts orchestral performances and welcomes famous composers such as Philip Glass and singers such as Placido Domingo. Touring orchestras from around the world, as well as Taipei’s own symphony orchestra, regularly play on this stage.

Stop to pick up souvenirs in the theater’s shop. The shop sells themed gifts inspired by the performing arts and the unique setting.

The National Theater of Taipei is located in a vast pedestrianized square in central Taipei. Visit the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall on the same plaza. Buses and coaches stop regularly outside the venue. Other attractions such as the Taipei Botanical Garden and the National Taiwan Museum are just 15 minutes away on foot.