Jump to the content zone at the center

Wistaria House Closes for Renovations

Wistaria House (courtesy of DOCA)
Wistaria House, the first historical site designated by Taipei City Government, has been closed for renovation since March 12 and will be shut down for a year. On March 1, Department of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) Commissioner Lee Yong-ping announced that during this period, the city will invite filmmakers to produce a documentary detailing the renovation process. Located on Section 3 of Xinsheng South Road, Wisteria House was built in 1920. Originally used as a dormitory for government officials, the structure has undergone much change through the years. The building combines both Japanese- and Western-style architecture. Since it reopened as a tea house in 1981, Wistaria House has been a gathering place for political, academic, and artistic discussions. In addition, the tea house is also well known for its role in promoting Taiwan’s tea culture, and has attracted tourists from abroad to experience its unique offering. Commissioner Lee spoke fondly of the days she spent at the building, as a member of an acting troupe. She said that DOCA will be allocating NT$11 million to fund the renovation project, and promised a more beautiful Wistaria House in a year’s time. Documentary director Lei Hsiang, a winner of the Golden Bell Award, recalled that the idea of his winning film was conceived at this very site. He pointed out that Wistaria House was also one of the movie locations for Director Ang Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman. The building’s twenty-five years of history is something he would like to capture in his documentary.