Taipei Performing Arts Center

Overview

The Taipei Performing Arts Center is a groundbreaking performing arts complex designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas, featuring three theater pods plugged into a central glass cube — one of the most radical public buildings of the 21st century.

Highlights

• Architecture: Three theaters — a globe, a proscenium, and a super theater — pierce through a central mirrored-glass box, creating a striking visual from every angle.
• Public Loop: A free public walkway winds through the building's interior, offering visitors behind-the-scenes views of the theater machinery.
• Grand Theater: The 800-seat Grand Theater and 1,500-seat Blue Box can be combined into a single super theater.

History

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, the building took over a decade to complete before opening in August 2022. It is considered one of the most important new cultural buildings in Asia.

Visitor Tips

• Free Public Loop: You don't need a performance ticket to walk the public loop — it's free and architecturally fascinating.
• Shilin Market Combo: Located across from Shilin Night Market, perfect for a culture-then-food evening.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes for the loop; 2+ hours with a performance.