The building was originally constructed in 1920 to serve as a dormitory for local police officials.
The ecomuseum model used here focuses on 'community-led preservation,' meaning residents are active partners in the museum's operation.
The structure features a 'wa-yo' (Japanese style) architectural aesthetic, characterized by traditional roof tiles and wooden sliding doors.
The renovation project for Hall No. 1 received a prestigious Taiwan Architecture Award for its sensitive preservation of historic timber.
Daxi is historically significant for its 'Daxi beans' and traditional wooden furniture, both of which are chronicled within this facility.
Hall No. 1 serves as the central hub of the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum, occupying the former residence of the Daxi Police Sub-district Chief. The building is a heritage-listed wooden structure dating back to the Japanese colonial era, representative of typical official dormitory architecture of the time. It functions as the primary orientation center for the broader ecomuseum complex, which spans multiple historic buildings throughout Daxi Old Street. The exhibits inside detail the evolution of Daxi's wood-carving industry and the history of the town's urban development. Visitors can access interactive displays that explain the unique Ecomuseum model, which integrates local community life with preservation efforts. The site preserves original timber architectural elements, including the classic 'shoin-zukuri' influenced interior layout. It provides context for the surrounding neighborhood's cultural preservation projects.
The veranda looking out into the traditional Japanese-style garden.
Visit this hall first to pick up a map of the other satellite buildings located throughout Daxi Old Street.
Check the community notice board at the entrance for information on local workshops or guided neighborhood walks.
Look for the original wooden floor joints and structural beams left exposed during the renovation.
Do not mistake this single building for the entire museum; the Ecomuseum consists of multiple distinct heritage sites across town.
Closed on Mondays.
Remove your shoes if entering rooms with tatami mats; do not touch the historic wall surfaces.
