The complex was originally built in 1897 to store kerosene for the Shell Company.
The buildings utilize 'Western-style' red brick masonry combined with traditional Taiwanese architectural elements.
The walls were specifically designed to be 40 to 60 centimeters thick to provide structural integrity and fireproofing.
During World War II, the warehouses were utilized for storage by the Japanese military.
The site is designated as a historic landmark under the New Taipei City government's preservation acts.
Tamsui Art and Cultural Park is situated on the site of the former Tamsui Shell Warehouse, a historical complex built by the Scottish trading company Tait & Co. in the late 19th century. The facility served as a vital storage depot for petroleum during the colonial period. It consists of three main brick warehouses constructed from red clay bricks, featuring high-pitched roofs and thick walls designed to mitigate fire risks associated with oil storage. The site underwent preservation efforts to transform industrial ruins into an open public space for art exhibitions and community activities. It now functions as a cultural hub emphasizing the synthesis of colonial industrial architecture and contemporary creative expression. The site is located directly on the waterfront, providing a clear vantage point of the Tamsui River and Guanyin Mountain.
Between the three large red-brick warehouse buildings looking toward the river.
Bring a portable fan or umbrella, as the industrial brick buildings can become very warm in the summer.
Visit the riverside path adjacent to the park for a less crowded view of the sunset compared to the main Tamsui Old Street.
Check the local community boards inside the park for rotating art installations and weekend workshop schedules.
Do not mistake the park for a commercial shopping mall; it is a quiet historical space, not an active retail market.
Outdoor areas are generally open 24/7, but indoor exhibition spaces rotate based on individual event schedules.
