The building was designed by Japanese architect Shigeo Kanai and served as a police station during the colonial era.
Huwei is considered the cradle of modern glove puppetry in Taiwan due to the popularity of the Pili Puppet Show.
The structure reflects a transition in colonial architecture, blending eclectic Western elements with local functional needs.
The museum frequently collaborates with master puppet troupes to preserve the 'Budaixi' performance traditions.
The interior layout retains original jail cell partitions, which have been repurposed into display spaces.
The building underwent significant seismic retrofitting to preserve its original wooden and masonry components.
The Yunlin Hand Puppet Museum is housed in the former Huwei County Police Station, a Japanese-era historical building constructed in 1931. The museum focuses on the cultural legacy of glove puppetry, a traditional performing art deeply rooted in Yunlin County. Exhibits display historical puppets, stage accessories, and craftsmanship tools used by master carvers and seamstresses. The site features a central exhibition hall with rotating displays that trace the evolution of puppet characters from traditional folk tales to modern televised adaptations. A dedicated theater space hosts live performances, allowing visitors to see the intricate manipulation techniques of professional puppeteers. The architectural structure itself is a recognized historic site, preserved for its Western-style police administrative aesthetic. It serves as the primary repository for archival records regarding Taiwan's puppetry industry. Educational workshops are frequently held to introduce the manual dexterity required for puppetry.
The main entrance foyer, which retains the grand, period-appropriate architectural detailing of the former administrative office.
Check the official website for the performance schedule before visiting, as live demonstrations are intermittent.
Explore the exterior architecture to identify the preserved historical features of the 1930s police station.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby Huwei Sugar Refinery.
Do not touch the delicate puppet costumes or wooden facial carvings, as many are vintage items.
Closed on Mondays.
