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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Taipei Performing Arts Center Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

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.
"The Taipei Performing Arts Center is a striking and innovative architectural landmark."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Architecture
Location & Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the building's unique design, especially the 'Public Loop' and exterior.
💺 Seating Comfort
While the venue is impressive, some visitors note limited legroom in the seats.
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.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Tours
Explore the spacious interior and unique architecture with a self-guided tour.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the building's unique design, especially the 'Public Loop' and exterior.
💺 Seating Comfort
While the venue is impressive, some visitors note limited legroom in the seats.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from Taipei 101, passing by other landmarks.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.
You can also find great views of Taipei 101 from near Taipei City Hall station, which is in the same general vicinity.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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
TPAC offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the building's spacious interior and unique design at their own pace.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
TPAC is located near the vibrant Shilin Night Market, offering a plethora of local street food and dining options.
There are also restaurants within the building itself, such as ACME on the 7th floor, though access might require specific directions.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.
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!
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.
Reviews mention the magnificent view from the windows of ACME restaurant as a highlight, especially on clear days.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
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.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Shilin Night Market for affordable and delicious local food. While performances at TPAC require tickets, simply experiencing the building's design is a major draw that costs nothing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: OMA's Vision
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.
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.
Experiencing TPAC: Beyond the Performance
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.
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. However, the overall impression is one of awe at the innovative design and the welcoming atmosphere of this significant cultural institution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit