Just minutes after stepping out of the blazing summer sun, we found ourselves surrounded by glowing cassette walls, catchy island beats, and decades of music memories.
For families who’ve just traveled to Taiwan for the summer, the “MUSIC, ISLAND, STORIES: Pop Music in Taiwan” exhibition at Taipei Music Center offers a refreshing indoor experience that’s both nostalgic and eye-opening. It’s a place where kids can play and learn, while parents reconnect with the familiar melodies that shaped generations.
The entire exhibition is fully air-conditioned—perfect for escaping the heat. What’s great is that it’s not just about listening to music, it’s about experiencing it. Each section is beautifully designed with interactive elements that really bring Taiwan’s pop music history to life.
One of our favorite parts was the interactive music zones—kids got to try out instruments, create beats, and explore how music is made. They were so engaged the entire time!
For older kids and teens, the Hip-Hop in Taiwan section is especially cool. It shows how global music styles like rap have blended with local culture to become something uniquely Taiwanese.
There’s also a section called “The Chords of Memory” that takes you through Taiwan’s musical history, from Japanese-era songs to modern-day pop. It really helped us talk to our kids about Taiwan’s past in a way that felt real and relatable.

Another nice surprise: as you walk through the exhibition, the audio guide automatically plays music related to each area—so you’re constantly surrounded by sound. It made the experience feel immersive and even emotional at times.

If you’re spending the summer in Taipei with kids and want something fun, cool, and a little different, this exhibition is a great way to explore Taiwan’s culture through music.
We left humming old tunes, learning new ones, and feeling a bit more connected to the island’s stories. 💛 Highly recommend adding it to your family adventure list!