Taipei Film House

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Consulate General of the United States, Taipei
Taipei Film House
光點臺北
US CONSULATE IN TAIPEI01.jpg
General information
TypeFormer diplomatic mission
Movie theater
LocationZhongshan, Taipei, Taiwan
Completed8 December 1926[1]
Opening10 November 2002
Technical details
Floor count2
Floor area375 square feet (34.8 m2)
Design and construction
Main contractorTaiwan Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Website
www.spot.org.tw

The Embassy of the United States, Taipei (Chinese: 美國駐台北大使館; pinyin: Měiguó zhù Táiběi Dàshǐ guǎn) is a former United States diplomatic mission in Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. The building current houses the Taipei Film House (Chinese: 光點臺北; pinyin: Guāngdiǎn Táiběi) as a movie theater.

History[]

Empire of Japan[]

At the end of the 19th century, flourishing commerce in tea and camphor led many Western foreign countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Britain to establish consulates and trade offices in the Dadaocheng district of Taihoku Prefecture. The United States built its consulate at this location during the Japanese rule in 1926 as the American Consulate in Taihoku. Following World War II, it served as the US Ambassador's residence. Ambassadors Karl L. Rankin, Everett F. Drumright, Alan G. Kirk, Jerauld Wright, Walter P. McConaughy and Leonard S. Unger all made this building their home. It now stands as an historic witness to relations between Taipei and Washington, D.C.

The Consulate seen during the period of Japanese occupation of Taiwan

In 1913, seeing that Taiwan's strategic position was gradually becoming more important, the U.S. government upgraded their offices in Taiwan.

In 1941, World War II broke out between Japan and the United States in the Pacific, forcing the American consulate in Taipei to close.

Republic of China[]

After the handover of Taiwan from Japan to the Republic of China on 25 October 1945, the United States established its consulate at the building on 4 April 1946. In 1948, it was upgraded to a consulate-general as the Consulate of the United States, Taipei and handled American business in Taiwan at the present address in Taipei's Zhongshan District. The first appointee to be stationed as consul general at the consulate was Robert Strong.

In 1950, the Korean War broke out, the United States again started aiding the Republic of China. In addition, ambassador was accredited to the Republic of China. In 1953, it was upgraded to an embassy status four years after taking over Nanking.

On 1 January 1979, the United States switched diplomatic relations from the Republic of China to the People's Republic of China and subsequently the American Institute in Taiwan was established on 16 January 1979 to maintain non-diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The US embassy in Taipei was closed on 28 February 1979 and the building was left abandoned.

On 20 February 1997, the building was listed as historic monument by the government of the Republic of China. In 2000, the Taipei City Government and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company under the Cultural and Educational Foundation began renovating the building. The building now houses the Taipei Film House.

Architecture[]

The building is a two-story mansion with white exterior wall with Victorian and American colonial style. The main hallway faces north with jutting veranda on its east side. The interior layout is designed around the central staircase.

Transportation[]

The building is accessible within walking distance northeast of Zhongshan Station of Taipei Metro.[2]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ http://www.spot.org.tw/introduction/aboutus.html
  2. ^ http://superspace.moc.gov.tw/en/local_culture_page.asp?rid=190

External links[]

Coordinates: 25°03′11″N 121°31′20″E / 25.05306°N 121.52222°E / 25.05306; 121.52222

Retrieved from ""