Taipei Performing Arts Center, Taipei - a building that has a bunch of windows in it
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Taipei Performing Arts Center Taipei

4.1
·5k reviews·, Taiwan

An architectural marvel by OMA, TPAC features three theaters plugged into a central cube, with a unique 'Public Loop' offering backstage views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
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Taipei Performing Arts Center, Taipei - a building that has a bunch of windows in it

Taipei Performing Arts Center Taipei

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An architectural marvel by OMA, TPAC features three theaters plugged into a central cube, with a unique 'Public Loop' offering backstage views.

4.1
(5k reviews)

"The Taipei Performing Arts Center is a striking and innovative architectural landmark."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Accessing Restaurants

For restaurants like ACME, use the elevator on the right or ask the service desk, as the front door is for ticket holders.

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Explore the spacious interior and unique architecture with a self-guided tour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Globe Playhouse

The Globe Playhouse

Spherical theater

An 800-seat spherical theater, inspired by Shakespeare's Globe, offering an intimate and unique viewing experience.

The Public Loop

The Public Loop

Circulation passageway

A unique pathway offering glimpses into backstage areas, blurring the lines between public and performance spaces.

OMA's Architectural Vision

OMA's Architectural Vision

Exterior and interior

Experience the bold geometric shapes and corrugated glass cladding of this innovative landmark designed by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Architecture

TPAC's unique design by OMA is a must-see. Explore its 'Public Loop' for a behind-the-scenes glimpse and appreciate the bold geometric forms. It's an architectural marvel that offers a different perspective on performing arts venues.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated near the bustling Shilin Night Market, TPAC is perfectly placed for a day of exploration. Consider combining your visit with a stroll through the market for a full Taipei experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Evening performances
Why
Experience the magic of live shows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Taiwan Life Hack 台灣生活小撇步 | Make sure to walk to Taipei 101! 一定要走去臺北101! Join Kyle for the best way to experience visiting Taipei 101 for the first time! 來跟 呂凱 Kyle 老師練習用英文解釋最好的參觀台北101的方式! Walk from Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall to Eslite Bookstore, and from Eslite Bookstore walk to Taipei 101! 從國父紀念館走到誠品書店,從誠品書店走到臺北101! . #LearnWithKyle #跟著呂凱學習 . #Taipei101 #Taipei #101 #SunYatSen #SunYatSenMemorialHa...
@lukaikyle
20.4K likes • 424.3K views

🎯 Accessing Restaurants

For restaurants like ACME, use the elevator on the right or ask the service desk, as the front door is for ticket holders. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Explore the spacious interior and unique architecture with a self-guided tour. Reddit

Napadaan lang to be honest sa spot na to and it turned out to be one of the best views of Taipei 101. It’s at the exit 2 of Taipei City Hall station.
@haroldrubio_
17.4K likes • 373.9K views
2024 FOCA 年度製作 《虛缺號》 最後入場機會,劇場的座位等你來填空 2024 #北藝馬戲節 臺北表演藝術中心 Taipei Performing Arts Center 演出時間|𝟭𝟮.𝟬𝟳(六) 𝟭𝟵:𝟯𝟬 / 𝟭𝟮.𝟬𝟴 (日) 𝟭𝟰:𝟯𝟬 演出地點| 臺北表演藝術中心-球劇場 - 主辦單位|FOCA福爾摩沙馬戲團 指導單位|文化部 贊助單位|國家文化藝術基金會、台北市文化局
focasa_focasacircus
114 likes • 5.7K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the building's unique design, especially the 'Public Loop' and exterior. Reddit

💺 Seating Comfort

While the venue is impressive, some visitors note limited legroom in the seats. Reddit

The exhibition everyone’s excited about 🤩 9 artist groups, using paintings and sculptures to spark imagination! Let kids explore the world through #art and turn the ordinary into an adventure! Taipei Fine Arts Museum – Children’s Art Education Center Exhibition: "Still Life" 📍Location: Children’s Art Education Center, Taipei Fine Arts Museum 🕛 Hours: 09:30–17:30 (Closed on Mondays; open until 20:...
taipeitravel
412 likes • 31.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Accessing Restaurants

For restaurants like ACME, use the elevator on the right or ask the service desk, as the front door is for ticket holders. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Explore the spacious interior and unique architecture with a self-guided tour. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the building's unique design, especially the 'Public Loop' and exterior. Reddit

💺 Seating Comfort

While the venue is impressive, some visitors note limited legroom in the seats. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the Taipei Performing Arts Center's striking and innovative architecture, particularly the unique 'Public Loop' offering backstage glimpses. The building's design is a major draw, though some note limited legroom in seating. Its proximity to Shilin Night Market adds to its appeal.

"If you are looking for the ACME restaurant on 7F, don’t enter the front door because that’s only for the tickets. On the contrary, head to the elevator on the right side or you can just go to the service desk and ask them because this is what I did.

The magnificent view from the window was definitely the highlight of this restaurant. On top of that, the sky today was sheer, blue and beautiful, which was extremely rare to be seen in Taiwan since there were clouds almost everywhere."

Super Porex Bros.

"I took this photo of my wife with the Taipei Performing Arts Center in the background.

The Taipei Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a striking and innovative architectural landmark in Taipei's Shilin District, near the vibrant Shilin Night Market. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA, it challenges conventional theater design with its unique configuration of three distinct theaters plugged into a central cube.

These theaters include:

• The Grand Theater

An asymmetrical 1,500-seat venue suitable for a wide range of performing arts.

• The Globe Playhouse

An 800-seat spherical theater inspired by Shakespeare's Globe, offering an intimate and unique viewing experience.

• The Blue Box

An 800-seat multiform theater designed for experimental performances, offering flexible stage and seating arrangements.

The central cube cleverly houses the backstage areas, support spaces, and public foyers, allowing the theaters to function independently or be combined into a larger "Super Theatre" with a capacity of 2,300 seats.

The building's architecture is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, with the spherical Globe Playhouse appearing to dock against the central cube, while the other theaters protrude as distinct volumes. The exterior features corrugated glass cladding on the central cube, creating an animated backdrop to the more opaque theater volumes.

TPAC aims to be an open and inclusive space for artistic experimentation and exchange, connecting local and international performing arts communities. It also features a "Public Loop," a circulation passageway that allows visitors to glimpse backstage areas, blurring the lines between public and performance spaces."

D Lim

"A modern building for performing arts. Spacious interior open to public use. Self guided tour available to go through the building."

World Explorer

What People Like

Innovative architecture
Unique 'Public Loop'
Proximity to Shilin Night Market

What People Dislike

Limited legroom in seats

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Taipei Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is conveniently located in Taipei's Shilin District. It's easily accessible via public transportation. The closest MRT station is Jiantan Station (Red Line), which is a short walk away. Reddit Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from Taipei 101, passing by other landmarks. TikTok

While not directly adjacent, TPAC is in a relatively close area to Taipei 101. Some visitors suggest walking from Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall to Eslite Bookstore and then to Taipei 101, implying a walkable distance between these key areas. TikTok You can also find great views of Taipei 101 from near Taipei City Hall station, which is in the same general vicinity. TikTok

TPAC itself is a distinct architectural marvel. While you might catch glimpses of the city skyline, it's not primarily known as a viewing spot for Taipei 101. For direct Taipei 101 views, consider visiting the tower itself or areas like Taipei City Hall station. TikTok

Taipei's MRT system is highly efficient for getting around. For TPAC, the Jiantan Station is your best bet. Walking between attractions like Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Eslite Bookstore, and Taipei 101 is also a popular and recommended way to experience the city. TikTok

Yes, you can enjoy views of landmarks like Taipei 101 without an admission fee by exploring certain areas. For example, visiting Simple Kaffa for coffee offers a way to experience the city's vibe on a budget. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Taipei Performing Arts Center is designed to be an open and inclusive space. While specific performances will require tickets, the building's 'Public Loop' and public areas are generally accessible for exploration without a ticket. Reddit

The general access hours for the public areas of TPAC are typically aligned with the operational hours of the venue. For specific performance times and exhibition hours, it's best to check the official TPAC website or their social media channels. Instagram

Exploring the public areas and the 'Public Loop' of TPAC is generally free. However, attending performances or special exhibitions will require purchasing tickets, with prices varying based on the event. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets for performances at TPAC in advance, especially for popular shows. You can usually do this through the official TPAC website or authorized ticketing platforms. Instagram

TPAC often hosts a variety of events, and while major performances are ticketed, there might be free public art installations or open house events. Checking their schedule regularly is advised. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The 'Public Loop' is a unique circulation passageway within TPAC that allows visitors to walk through and get glimpses of the backstage areas and operational spaces, blurring the lines between the public and performance realms. Reddit

TPAC houses three distinct theaters: The Grand Theater (1,500 seats), The Globe Playhouse (800 seats, spherical), and The Blue Box (800 seats, multiform). These can also be combined into a 'Super Theatre' for larger events. Reddit

TPAC aims to be an inclusive space. While performances may vary in suitability, the architecture itself and the 'Public Loop' can be engaging for children. Exhibitions like 'Still Life' at the nearby Taipei Fine Arts Museum's Children's Art Education Center are specifically designed for kids. Instagram

Designed by OMA (Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten), TPAC is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, with theaters plugged into a central cube. The exterior features corrugated glass cladding on the central cube. Reddit

TPAC offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the building's spacious interior and unique design at their own pace. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

TPAC is located near the vibrant Shilin Night Market, offering a plethora of local street food and dining options. Reddit There are also restaurants within the building itself, such as ACME on the 7th floor, though access might require specific directions. Reddit

If you're looking for a specific restaurant like ACME on the 7th floor, it's advised to use the elevator on the right side of the entrance or ask at the service desk, as the main entrance is for ticket holders. Reddit

Shilin Night Market is famous for its diverse range of Taiwanese street food, including oyster omelets, fried chicken cutlets, bubble tea, stinky tofu, and much more. It's a culinary adventure! Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, the presence of restaurants like ACME suggests that cafes or similar establishments might be available within or near the TPAC complex. Reddit

Reviews mention the magnificent view from the windows of ACME restaurant as a highlight, especially on clear days. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique architecture of TPAC, especially the 'Public Loop' and the exterior geometric designs, offers numerous photo opportunities. The corrugated glass cladding on the central cube also creates interesting visual effects. Reddit

Photography policies can vary depending on the specific performance or exhibition. It's generally advisable to check the rules for the event you are attending. Non-flash photography might be permitted in public areas. Reddit

While the building's design encourages exploration and photography, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive behavior. Flash photography is often restricted during performances. Reddit

The exterior of TPAC can be striking at different times of day. Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) might offer beautiful lighting, while the illuminated building at night can also be very photogenic. Reddit

Yes, the 'Public Loop' is a key feature designed for public access and viewing, making it an excellent spot for photography to capture the unique backstage glimpses. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While TPAC is a performing arts center, its unique architecture can be fascinating for children. The 'Public Loop' offers a sense of adventure as kids can peek into backstage areas. Reddit For more child-specific art experiences, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum's Children's Art Education Center nearby hosts engaging exhibitions like 'Still Life,' designed to spark imagination. Instagram

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow children to explore more freely. The proximity to Shilin Night Market also provides a fun and exciting culinary adventure for the whole family after a day of cultural exploration. Reddit

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

TPAC is a pilgrimage site for architecture lovers, designed by OMA. The building's bold geometric forms, the spherical Globe Playhouse, and the 'Public Loop' offering backstage views are key highlights. Reddit Pay attention to the corrugated glass cladding on the central cube and how it interacts with light. Reddit

Take your time to walk through the 'Public Loop' and appreciate the functional integration of the three theaters into the central cube. The building's innovative approach to theater design and public access makes it a standout example of contemporary architecture. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Taipei Performing Arts Center offers a fantastic free experience for budget travelers. You can explore the 'Public Loop' and admire the impressive architecture without spending a dime. Reddit This provides a significant cultural and visual experience for free. Reddit

Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Shilin Night Market for affordable and delicious local food. Reddit While performances at TPAC require tickets, simply experiencing the building's design is a major draw that costs nothing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: OMA's Vision

The Taipei Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a testament to innovative architectural design, conceived by the renowned Dutch firm OMA, led by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten. The building challenges traditional theater layouts by integrating three distinct performance venues—The Grand Theater, The Globe Playhouse, and The Blue Box—into a central, monolithic cube. This unique configuration allows each theater to operate independently or be combined for larger productions, creating a highly flexible and dynamic space. The exterior is equally striking, featuring a central cube clad in corrugated glass that creates an animated facade, juxtaposed with the more opaque volumes of the theaters. Reddit

One of the most captivating elements of TPAC is the 'Public Loop', a circulation pathway that winds through the building, offering visitors unprecedented views into the backstage areas and rehearsal spaces. This design choice intentionally blurs the lines between the public and the performance, fostering a sense of connection and demystifying the theatrical process. It transforms the building itself into an exhibition, inviting exploration and appreciation of its complex inner workings. Reddit

The Globe Playhouse, a spherical theater inspired by Shakespeare's Globe, is a particular highlight, offering an intimate and immersive experience for audiences. Its unique shape and placement against the central cube make it an iconic visual element of the entire structure. The overall design aims to create an open and inclusive environment for artistic experimentation and exchange, solidifying TPAC's role as a significant cultural hub in Taipei. Reddit

Experiencing TPAC: Beyond the Performance

Visiting the Taipei Performing Arts Center offers more than just attending a show; it's an experience in itself, thanks to its groundbreaking architecture and public accessibility. The 'Public Loop' is a must-explore feature, allowing you to wander through the building and gain a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes operations of a major performing arts venue. This self-guided tour provides fascinating insights into the scale and complexity of theatrical production. Reddit

While the primary function of TPAC is to host performances, its design encourages public engagement. The spacious interior is open for exploration, and visitors can appreciate the bold geometric forms and the interplay of light and shadow created by the corrugated glass. Even without a ticket to a show, the building's architectural merit makes it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in modern design and urban landmarks. Reddit

It's worth noting that while the building is impressive, some visitors have commented on practical aspects like seating comfort, with mentions of limited legroom in certain areas. Reddit However, the overall impression is one of awe at the innovative design and the welcoming atmosphere of this significant cultural institution. Reddit

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