The Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan, has been a witness to the country’s colorful history since the beginning of time.

Construction of the building began in 1912 and was completed in 1919. This was during the Japanese period when many important public buildings were constructed based on classic styles from the West as a symbol of modernization.

One style reference of the Presidential Office is continental classic, a sophisticated appearance based on the use of heavy polished stone, decorative columns, domes, and mansard roofs. Other Taiwanese architectures built using this style are the Residence of the Governor-General (now Taipei Guest House) rebuilt in 1912; Tainan District Court completed in 1912; Taichung Prefectural Government Building (later the Taichung City Government Building) completed in 1913; the Viceroy Kodama Gentaro and Chief Civil Administrator Goto Shinpei Memorial Museum (now National Taiwan Museum) completed in 1915; and the Tainan Prefectural Government Building (now National Museum of Taiwanese Literature) completed in 1916.

Construction of the Presidential Office Building began in 1912 and was completed in 1919. This was during the Japanese period, when many important public buildings were constructed based on classic styles from the West as a symbol of modernization.

In 1935, the fifth floor was partly mangled in a fire. Ten years later, the building was damaged due to Taipei Air Raid. The building was renamed Chieh Shou Hall in celebration of the 60th birthday of President Chiang Kai-shek in 1945. After the ROC government relocated to Taiwan in 1949, the building officially became the Office of the President. The damages were only repaired 12 years later.

The Presidential Office Building was declared a national historic site and an important cultural asset in 1998.

Following numerous repairs and renovations over the years, the building now hosts galleries and exhibitions on its first floor. The Taiwan Heritage Room, the President’s Hall, the Rainbow Room, and Auditorium are open to the public.

Visitors of the building will get a glimpse into the daily life of the President, from the items she frequently uses, important documents signed, and her predecessors. There’s also a gallery dedicated to Taiwan’s historic democratic protests.

A special corner devoted to the Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards is also a must-see in the Presidential Office Building. Originating in 1962, the festival seeks to promote the creation and development of Chinese-language films.

It is at No. 122 Section 1, Chongqing S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100.