The nationally designated historic monument Taichung Prefectural Hall officially reopened its doors today (October 15). Attending the unveiling ceremony of the Taichung Prefectural Hall Cultural Park, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen reaffirmed the city government's commitment to the principle of "restoring our own historic monuments." In response to public calls to preserve the Prefectural Hall's historical and cultural significance, the city chose to retain ownership of this valuable heritage asset rather than transfer it to the central government. Mayor Lu expressed her gratitude to the construction teams, restoration craftsmen, and city government staff for their dedication in bringing the century-old landmark back into the daily lives of residents. She emphasized that the project represents not only the restoration of a historic monument but also the fulfillment of a promise to citizens, positioning the Prefectural Hall as a driving force behind the revitalization of Taichung's historic downtown.

Mayor Lu noted that after nearly a decade of planning and restoration, with an investment exceeding NT$600 million, Taichung Prefectural Hall has finally reopened. The building holds a unique place in Taiwan's political and architectural history. Designed by Matsunosuke Moriyama, an engineer with the Government-General's Building and Repairs Department during the Japanese colonial period, the Prefectural Hall shares architectural roots with Taiwan's present-day Presidential Office Building. Responding to public expectations that the building's historical and cultural significance be preserved, the city government decided against transferring the property to the central government free of charge. Guided by the conservation principle of restoring historic structures while preserving their original character, the restoration carefully revived the building's historical charm while incorporating modern facilities. The city has now returned this treasured century-old cultural landmark to the public in its restored condition.

Mayor Lu emphasized that the most important mission of reopening Taichung Prefectural Hall is to revitalize the city's historic downtown, where Taichung's urban development first took shape. With the Cultural Affairs Bureau relocating to the Prefectural Hall, the city aims to stimulate economic recovery by building on several major urban developments, including the reopening of Dazhi Road to through traffic, the elevation of railway tracks, the creation of the Green Sky Corridor, and the establishment of nearby commercial complexes. To demonstrate the city government's commitment to the historic landmark, a mayoral office and an executive meeting room have been specifically retained within the building. This arrangement reflects the principle of "keeping agencies anchored while the mayor moves between offices." Mayor Lu stated that, with slightly more than two months remaining in her current term, she plans to work regularly at the Prefectural Hall and hold municipal government meetings there to advance the development of the historic downtown.

Mayor Lu further explained that the restored Prefectural Hall has been designated as a central hub for cultural administration. The Cultural Affairs Bureau has already moved into the building, and together with the nearby Transportation Bureau and Land Administration Bureau, it will help establish a government administrative precinct in the historic downtown. Beyond serving as government offices, the Prefectural Hall also provides spaces for arts and cultural activities. Its distinctive quadrangular main building, enclosing a central courtyard, and its beautifully landscaped central lawn showcase an architectural atmosphere of exceptional historical elegance. Following the reopening, public spaces have been significantly expanded, with nearly 40% of the premises designated for arts and cultural exhibitions and performances. More than 4,200 ping (approximately 13,900 square meters) of outdoor green space has also been opened for public recreation. Now transformed into the "Taichung Prefectural Hall Cultural Park," the landmark welcomes residents and visitors from around the world to step into a historic setting and experience how cultural heritage can become part of everyday life.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that Taichung Prefectural Hall, originally built in 1913, has witnessed more than a century of the city's development. Residents are invited to begin their exploration at the Prefectural Hall and discover more than 30 nearby cultural heritage sites and historic buildings, experiencing both Taichung's past and present. Two inaugural exhibitions were also launched alongside today's unveiling ceremony: the "Tribute to Taichung's Pioneering Artists Special Exhibition" and the "Taichung Prefectural Hall: Past and Present Special Exhibition." Focusing respectively on the development of fine arts in Taichung and the history of the Prefectural Hall, the exhibitions highlight the city's rich cultural, artistic, and historical heritage.

A series of cultural events will continue through Sunday, October 18, including "2026 Creative Taichung," the "Taichung Cultural and Creative Design Joint Exhibition," the "TCOD Taichung Original Design Pop-up Showcase," and the "Little Snail Market." The festivities will continue with the "Suzuran Street Walking Festival" on October 24 and 25, followed by street performances at Taichung Prefectural Hall on October 25. Residents and visitors are warmly invited to explore the revitalized landmark and experience a new chapter in the life of this century-old monument.

For further information on upcoming events, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau's official website (https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/) or the Creative Taichung website (https://taichungdesignhub.tw/).