Futai Mansion Photo Exhibition

The latest exhibition at Futai Street Mansion showcases photos from Taiwanese photographer Li Huo-zeng taken in the 1940s. During this time, Taiwan was a Japanese colony, and there are some fascinating photos from the time on display as shown above. Although most know of the Japanese rule, it adds a certain dimension to actually see what life was like.

All of the photos were taken in Taipei City, from Ximenting to Beitou and it is fascinating to see how things were. In fact on the second floor there are some photos comparing then to now, and if you know Taipei it is really interesting, if tinged with sadness over the newer buildings and how little care was taken to preserve the old. This is true of many modern cities of course, but one can’t help but wonder how much more enjoyable Taipei would be if the race to develop had been tempered with a certain respect for the past.

There is also a large map of central Taipei during the Japanese rule, and again this is really interesting if you know Taipei. Of note, there used to be a number of camera stores in the area around the mansion, and as previously reported many of them are still there.

Also of note are the 150 classic photo books on the first floor in the extension behind the main exhibition area. They are on display for the duration of the exhibition only, and if you have any interest in the history of photography you should take some time to browse.

The exhibition is free and is on until the end of July (check the opening times below).

Telephone: 02-2314-8080

Address: Futai Street Mansion (No. 26, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City)

Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm Mondays to Saturdays until July 31

Admission: Free

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