The idea was to explore the National Taiwan Museum on a Sunday afternoon. Looking at our Google maps, we decided to get on the MRT Red line and get off at the NTU hospital station. We saw that the museum was in the Peace Memorial Park, so we figured if the weather was good we would walk around a bit before seeing what the Museum had to offer. This was a great day trip in Taipei, as there were plenty of things to see.
NTU Hospital station
The first thing we noticed was the impressive public art installation in the MRT station. Once upon a time we jumped out of the subway to run across to the other side as we had missed the Taipei main station stop, and I had noticed this impressive public bench:
Because we were in a hurry to get across the platform to go back the way we came, we failed to notice that this was a part of a larger installation. Titled “The Suite of Hands” it is an impressive artwork right in the middle of the platform.
I know most commuters probably don’t really take the time to notice art installations on the platform. But we did take the time to stop and marvel at how impressive the sculptures were. Many of the metro stations don’t have massive art installations. But many do, and it’s been a pleasure to explore what feels like a dedication to public art.
Plus we can’t resist the chance to represent ourselves as visitors by taking slightly cheeky
photos. However, it’s always in a spirit of fun and enjoyment of what Taiwan has to offer. So we were ready to explore and enjoy the Peace Memorial Park, which was right off of Exit 4 from the NTU hospital station.
We didn’t do any homework about the park.. I had looked into what the National Taiwan Museum had to offer, and a bit about it’s history. It is the first museum of Taiwan, and has a fascinating history, one that was also tied to the peace park. Upon exiting the MRT station, we were happy to notice that this was a good example of a Taipei park. A well designed public green space that people were using for all sorts of reasons.
228 Peace memorial park
The first thing we noticed was a beautiful pagoda in the center of a water feature. The day was pleasant, and there were a number of people enjoying the park. So instead of going to the museum right away, we decided to walk through the park and see what it had to offer besides some good photo opportunities.
I had seen a sign for a “peace bell,” and my curiosity piqued, we took a stroll through the park. The park had a relaxed feel, and we very much enjoyed our stroll. One of the ponds had been drained for cleaning, but the other water features, although also a bit dirty, had lots of turtles and fish. Then in the middle of the park we stumbled across a strange installation. Upon a closer look, we realized we were at a memorial for the 2-28 incident. 
228 peace park memorial
Taiwan has a interesting and complicated history. The story behind the February 28 incident is longer than I can go into here. But the museum has an powerful series of exhibits that explains this part of Taiwan’s history. The memorial itself is a beautiful space that memorializes those that lost their lives. We certainly recommend that people take the time to visit this memorial and the museum for insight into this part of Taiwan’s past.
On the other side of the memorial was the Peace Bell and the 228 Museum. Tucked to the side of the Peace Bell was a “stone foot path” and an explanation of the areas of the body stimulated by a foot massage.
We have seen paths like this in other parks in Taiwan, but none that had a reflexology map of the foot. We had to give it a try, so off came the shoes for a little reflexology massage. Word of 
warning, this type of massage can be intense. And the path provided an intense experience. Pauline is a barefoot enthusiast. I have seen her go without shoes in some very 
extreme environments. And I have to admit that I took time to walk on gravel barefoot in Costa Rica on purpose. But this Stone Foot Path was not to be taken lightly. Short small steps and measured amounts are a must.