Nestled in the Dadaocheng (大稻埕), an area that flourished as an early commercial hub of Taipei City, the Taiwan Customs Museum is a newly revitalized destination for those curious about the intriguing world of customs. Originally opened in 1996 alongside the Customs Building, the museum was officially reopened with a refreshed vision on November 15, 2024, following an extensive renovation that began in 2020. It now presents a century-old heritage with a modern approach, aiming to educate, engage, and entertain visitors through interactive exhibits and curated displays.
The Taiwan Customs Museum occupies two floors of the Customs Building. Based on the core concept of “The Journey of Goods,” the gallery on the first floor features four themes: Customs Personnel, CCC MART, Theatre of All Things, and the Border Archives. The gallery on the second floor centers its exhibition on “Connecting the World” with five themes: A Century of Stories, Customs Vessels, Lighthouse Memories, Evolution of Customs Operations, and Global Customs Affairs.
Watch the following video on the Taiwan Customs Museum to discover more fascinating visuals about customs.
Customs Personnel section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
The main functions of customs are to collect duties and to combat smuggling. Through interactive displays, visitors can walk through various customs stations and experience the daily duties of customs officers, understanding the complexity of their work and the skills needed to ensure the smooth and secure processing of goods.
CCC MART section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
This section provides an interactive lesson in the complexities of customs valuation, encouraging a deeper understanding of the rigorous checks and balances in place for global trade. Visitors can also explore how goods from around the world make their way through customs, simulate the tariff classification process, calculate duties, and learn about the regulatory aspects that apply to imports.
The Theater of All Things section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
To illustrate the journey of goods across borders, this section features an animated exhibit that shows how goods from different parts of the world reach consumers through customs and logistics channels. This theater provides a dynamic, visual storytelling experience that demystifies the journey of goods. The exhibit explains the clearance process and demonstrates the vital role customs plays in ensuring the safe and legal import and export of a wide range of goods.
Border Archives section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
This fascinating section reveals the often hidden and risky side of customs work: intercepting contraband. The museum’s collection includes wildlife specimens, firearms, knives and blades, drugs, counterfeit goods, and even rare wildlife seized during illegal smuggling operations. These items, accompanied by detailed explanations, give visitors an insight into the ongoing battle against illicit trade and the dedication of Customs officers to protecting national and global security.
A Century of Stories section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
The Taiwan Customs Museum takes visitors on a journey back in time to explore the Taiwan Customs Service, which dates back to 1854. Visitors can explore historical customs markers, uniforms, and flags that tell the story of the early days of customs operations. These artifacts document the growth of Taiwan’s customs service, reflecting a legacy that has expanded with Taiwan’s economic growth and integration into global trade.
Customs Vessels section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
Customs vessels have been an integral part of Taiwan’s customs enforcement since the mid-19th century. This section uses models, artifacts, and interactive theaters to take visitors back in time to witness customs officers patrolling the seas. The exhibition highlights daring maritime missions and dramatic historical moments that unfolded on the waves, capturing the courage of customs officers throughout the years.
Lighthouse Memories section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
This section celebrates the role of lighthouses in navigation and maritime safety, with antique equipment such as smoke cannons and white gas lamps. These items are reminders of the customs officers who worked tirelessly to maintain these vital beacons. The exhibition pays tribute to the legacy of lighthouse keepers and their contribution to ensuring safe passage for countless ships, safeguarding trade, and connecting distant shores.
The Evolution of Customs Clearance section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
The exhibition highlights the modernization of customs operations over the years and shows how customs operations have adapted to new challenges while simplifying customs procedures. Through displaying historical tools, documents, and multimedia presentations, visitors can witness the gradual streamlining of customs procedures and the implementation of efficient systems to support Taiwan’s fast-paced trade.
Global Customs Affairs section of the Taiwan Customs Museum
This section highlights Taiwan’s cooperation with other countries in customs matters. Visitors can view key documents, memorabilia, and exhibits representing the worldwide camaraderie and cooperation between customs authorities. Visitors can use augmented reality (AR) technology to virtually wear customs uniforms and experience the role of a customs officer.
Above all, to engage younger visitors, the museum features a unique character named “Tom’s on Mission.” By scanning special icons placed throughout the museum, kids can team up with Tom to complete missions and collect towel rolls. This interactive scavenger hunt adds a playful twist to their visit, making learning fun and memorable while reinforcing vital educational concepts.
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