The institute was originally established in 1954 as the Nantou County Craft Research Center before transitioning to a national-level organization.
The campus houses the 'Living Craft Exhibition Hall,' specifically designed to showcase the integration of traditional skills into contemporary daily life.
NTCRI operates a dedicated Craft Information Center that serves as one of the most comprehensive archives for craft-related literature in Taiwan.
The institute manages a national certification system for 'Taiwan Crafts,' helping to standardize quality and authenticity for local artisanal goods.
The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) serves as the primary national hub for the preservation, research, and promotion of Taiwanese traditional and contemporary crafts. Located in Caotun, the facility spans a expansive campus featuring multiple thematic halls dedicated to bamboo, wood, lacquer, pottery, and textile arts. It functions as a hybrid institution combining a museum, an educational center, and an incubator for local artisans. Visitors can observe active workshops where master craftspeople demonstrate techniques ranging from ancient wood-carving to modern sustainable design. The institute also maintains a specialized library focusing on material culture and craft history. Frequent rotating exhibitions showcase prize-winning works from national craft competitions. The site emphasizes the intersection of indigenous craftsmanship and modern aesthetic utility. It regularly hosts residency programs and public DIY workshops for hands-on engagement with various mediums.
The outdoor plaza and the architecturally striking green-space walkways connecting the different pavilions.
Check the official event calendar before arrival to sign up for hands-on DIY craft workshops.
Allow extra time to explore the peripheral craft boutique where items created by resident artists are available for purchase.
Visit the library building if you are interested in deep-dive research into specific Taiwanese craft techniques.
Do not assume all craft materials in the studios are for sale; many are active projects belonging to resident artists.
Closed on Mondays and during the Lunar New Year holiday period.
Maintain a quiet volume in exhibition galleries and request permission before photographing artisans at work.
