Department of Cultural Affairs

Hours of operation
1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, open 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and national holidays.
Contact information
Telephone: (02) 2311-9380Fax: (02) 2311-9372
Web site :http://www.redplayhouse.com.tw
Address#10, Chengdu Road, Taipei City
Transportation
Rapid Transit: Take the Banqiao-Nangang line, disembarking at Ximen Station. Red Theatre is approximately a one-minute walk from exit No. 1. Bus: Sanchung Passenger Buses (Wuku-Taipei, Chungkang-Peimen, Huilung-Taipei), Chihnan Passenger Bus #3, 221, 232, 235, 640, 513, 621, 257, 18 or Blue 2. Car: parking spaces are available nearby.
Architectural style
The Red House of Ximen is an octagonal, two-story Western-style structure built of red brick in 1908. Originally called the “Octagon Market," it was designed by Kondo Juro, an architect working for the Japanese colonial government's civil engineering department. Its prominent features are red brick walls, and ceilings of steel reinforced cement. Its roof, however, may be its most unique feature: it is built from a framework of metal trusses, with a radially symmetrical shape, like an umbrella.
History
Originally used as the neighborhood market of the Ximen area, the Red House was home to a previous “Red Theatre" in the past. In 1997, it was declared a Class 3 historical site, and in 2002 it was designated to be used as a venue for spoken-word and vocal performances. The Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government commissioned Paper Windmill Cultural Foundation to take charge of its operation.
Brief introduction
The first floor is an art exhibition space and gift shop, presenting a variety of cultural products, and providing the public with a host of alternative shopping selections. The Paper Windmill Cafe also provides an exceptionally valuable dining service. On holidays, it is frequently filled to capacity, and every day of the week, it is always awaft with the fragrant aroma of coffee. In the second floor theatre, the building's unique architectural structure of large steel beams and the charming old-style feel of its redbrick walls are displayed with nearly no decorative embellishment. The entire theatre has the feel of an old-fashioned teahouse. Seating is provided with special wooden tables and chairs, and hot tea provided by service personnel, allowing visitors to take in an evening of marvelous entertainment in the most relaxing manner imaginable. The theatre accommodates 200 people. Each performance is set for 8 p.m., so that no one needs ever to rush to a play again.