The Red Playhouse

The Red Playhouse was first opened in 1908. It was once the first model public market, as well as a performing arts center, and moreover, a major movie theater in the Shimentin (Hsimending) downtown area of Taipei City.

Since its prime in the 70s, the Red Playhouse has declined and seems to be fading out of people's memory. However, in 1997, the Red Playhouse was designated by the Taipei City Government as a historic building. In 2002, the Paperwindmill Cultural Foundation was commissioned to manage the Red Playhouse and reopened it on July 26.

Located on first floor of the theater are the exhibition area and the Paperwindmill Cafe, a living space where modern art and everyday life meet. All kinds of theater-related images and objects, such as old pictures and movie projectors, are imbedded into the installation art as part of the interior design, making the cafe a easy carefree place for dining and hanging out. People who first set foot at the theater are often amazed by the look of ancient red brick walls restructured by steel columns.

The weekend teahouse theatre opens at 8pm every Sunday. Free hot tea and antique imitation wooden chairs are relaxing and enhance the spirit for the night's performance. With only NT$100, one can enjoy tea at the historic building as well as appreciating the beauty of the red brick architeture.

The Red Playhouse is located in Chengdu Road, in Taipei City's Wanhua District.