Taiwan's 228 Museum commemorates the 228 incident and surrounding history, including the martyrs, victims, and hardships they went through. It is one of the best places to learn about one of the most important events in Taiwan's history, and learn about Taiwan's authoritarian past and struggle for freedom has shaped the present. The best part is it's free.
The National 228 Memorial Museum is not to be confused with the smaller Taipei 228 Memorial Museum in 228 Peace Memorial Park. Historical Background: 228 refers to the February 28th incident, which was an uprising of the local Taiwanese people against the KMT government in 1947, two years after the KMT had taken control of Taiwan, after decades of Japanese colonial rule of the island. Taiwanese people became disgruntled under what they saw as poor governance and a lack of local political participation. Food prices started rising and unemployment was high. The KMT was also wary of revolt and communist subversion. On February 27th, 1947 KMT agents physically struck a woman accused of smuggling cigarettes', after which an officer fired at the crowd of nearby angry bystanders. The next day on February 28th, protesters assembled and were fired at again, and protesters were also able to seize a radio tower and broadcast the news to the whole island. Under President Chiang Kai-shek and provincial government Chen Yi, protests were put down by the KMT army, thousands of civilians were killed, and many more thousands were imprisoned. Martial law was later imposed in Taiwan for 38 years and political dissent was silenced, in what was known as the White Terror period. This is considered the most important historical event in Taiwan's modern era. The current building that houses the 228 Memorial Museum was built in 1931 during the Japanese era and was used for events and gatherings. After KMT took control of Taiwan, the building served as the Taiwan Provincial Consultative Council until 1958 and was later rented by the US government as the American Cultural Center, and later rented by the Scouts of China (Taiwan's boy scouts). The building was then renovated from 2002 to 2011 and was reopened on February 28th, 2011 as the 228 Memorial Museum. The museum is usually not very crowded even on weekends. Price: Free Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Tours: You can book a tour of Taipei as well as tickets to other museums on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here. Hotels in Taipei: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: The Museum is about a five-minute walk from CKS Memorial Hall Station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From Taipei main station, turn south on Chongqing South Road. The museum will be on your right. There is limited parking near the museum. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Our Journey: I have been to the National 228 Memorial Museum once in 2023. It is one of the best places to learn about one of the most important events in Taiwan's history, and the best part is it's free. 
The street view of the 228 memorial museum. It is hard to tell from outside what the building its. It looks pretty much like a lot of old buildings around Taipei.
That day there was a day market on the street and I got some pancakes in the shape of the North Gate.
Long line in front of the north gate cakes.
Historical photo of 228 rally.
View down the left hall on the first floor of the building which is closed off.
View down the right side of the building.
View up to the second floor.
View from the first floor.
Painting of martyrs being shot.
Wooden dooes on the second floor.
Windows and seating on the second floor.
Begining of the exhibit on the second floor.
Main exhibit on the second floor.
Zheng Nan-Rong, who burned himself in protest in front of the presidential office building.
Painting of Yushan.
Backside of the exhibit.
Photo of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.
Photos of 228 Martyrs.
The Wall of Shih Ju-chen, who hid here for 18 years before dying of Jaundice.
He was a communist guerilla resistance fighter and he knew he would be killed if he was found, so his brother build a fake wall behind a shed to hide him.
After getting sick, he refused to see a doctor because he was agraid of being caught. 
There are also archives all of the martyrs on record here.
Photos of martyrs.
Instruments of torture.
Swords.
Cash, representing the hyperinflation of the original Taiwan Dollar.
Collective resistance after the KMT takeover.
Resistance at the airport in Chiaya, where these three men were killed.
The 27 army of Taichung, set up to resist the KMT's rule.
228 marked the time that the KMT switched from appeasment to authoritarian rule.
Letter on display.
One of the issues provoking the local Taiwanese populace was a food crisis, caused by corrupt officials.
Originally the Taiwanese people were looking forward to a change of governence to the KMT, but they were disappointed, and many thought the Kapanese actually ran things better.
Back to the first floor.
A display notes written on white strops of paper. I think anyone can contribute.
You can also look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here, KKday here, or Tripadvisor here. Check out our Taipei Museum Guide here. Check out our family and kids guide to Taipei here. Also be sure to check out our guide to Taipei here. You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.
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Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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