National Theater and Concert Hall

The basics

Together considered one of Asia’s iconic contemporary theaters, the National Theater and Concert Hall have been the locus of Taiwan’s cultural scene for decades. Some 650,000 visitors come to the center annually, and the two main venues—as well as two more intimate concert halls, the Experimental Theater and Recital Hall, and occasionally the exterior plaza—host events throughout the year. The National Theater and Concert Hall showcase both local and international orchestras and musicians, and performances range from the traditional to the contemporary. Select family-friendly performances and workshops are also held, while the facility’s Performing Arts Library is both an important research center and host to public events.

As one of Taipei’s major landmarks, the National Theater and Concert Hall are easy to explore independently, and are also included on a number of sightseeing tours.

Things to know before you go

• Childcare services for kids aged 4-8 are provided during performances.

• The National Theater and Concert Hall are accessible to wheelchair users, and offer a wide range of disability accommodations.

• Guided tours of the venues are held on Mondays and Tuesdays every other week, in both English and Chinese; it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

• The National Theater and Concert Hall are home to several specialist art and music boutiques, as well as a number of dining options.

• There is no dress code for performances, though visitors can dress more formally if they choose.

How to get there

The National Theater and Concert Hall is just a short walk from the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station on the Tamsui-Xinyi or Songshan-Xindian line. It can also be reached by dozens of bus lines. If you’re driving, take National Highway No. 1 or No. 2; a paid parking garage is available on-site.

When to get there

The National Theater and Concert Hall is open to the public, and can be visited daily from late morning until late evening, except on Lunar New Year or for select periods of closure. Only ticket holders are admitted to performances, whose hours vary; entry to the concert and event halls begins 30 minutes before the start time.

Nearby monuments and landmarks

The National Theater and Concert Hall are located in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District, which is home to many of the city’s most important monuments and government landmarks. Some of the major sights include the National Chiang kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the National Taiwan Museum, the National Museum of History, and the Presidential Office Building.