Built in 1921, the former Taipei City Hall building was originally the home of Jan Cheng Elementary School . Opened in the period of Japanese rule, the school had a student body that was predominantly Japanese with only a handful of Taiwanese students. In the post-war era, it was used to house the city government and became an important landmark for local citizens.
The two-story brick building is a model of architectural symmetry. Above the central hall is the spacious old assembly with its high ceiling. A bell tower rises from the center of the roof highlighting its distinctive architectural style. As Taipei developed, the city government moved to a new location in Xinyi District, designating the frontispiece of the building as an historic landmark. After refurbishment, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei (MOCA Taipei) opened i n May 2001.
Combining historical architecture and contemporary art, MOCA Taipei has provided a prime reference point for local citizens exchanging experiences. In addition, the Museum's collaboration with Jan Cheng Junior High School has also strengthened its educational role.
The old Taipei Government City Hall building is now designated an historic site and has been refurbished for the Museum of Contemporary Ar t - as the first museum in Taiwan to be dedicated exclusively to Contemporary Art.
