Miniatures Museum of Taiwan 袖珍博物館

Hidden within a commercial building on Jianguo North Road (台北市建國北路) in Taipei, a secret world awaits visitors in the basement, far different from the towering structures above. Here lies the Miniature Museum (袖珍博物館), the only one of its kind in Asia, covering about 300 square meters. This treasure trove of tiny wonders, including dollhouses that transport the imagination, attracts countless visitors, many traveling from overseas just to witness the intricate creations.

The most valuable piece in the collection is the miniature version of Buckingham Palace. Lin Ke-Zhen shares " The cost of commissioning this piece from a foreign artist was equivalent to purchasing an apartment in Taipei." Due to the vastness of the palace, the museum showcases a partial front view, with the back revealing six classic rooms. Despite being miniaturized at a 12:1 scale, the houses and furniture are made from authentic materials, with lighting powered by wired bulbs rather than batteries. But beyond the craftsmanship, the Miniature Museum serves as a symbol of familial love and legacy, closely tied to the founding family's bonds.

The museum's origins trace back to the private collection of Lin Wen-Ren (林文仁), former chairman of the Taiwan Fluorescent Lamp (台灣日光燈), and his wife, Lin Yang Jin-Mei (林楊錦梅). Driven by a passion for miniature art, what began as a DIY project to build small houses soon turned into a vast collection, filling their home within a few years. Eventually, with a desire to share their love, they established the museum, allowing all of Taiwan to enjoy their treasures. As Lin Ke-Zhen (林克真), the youngest daughter and current chairperson of the museum, recounts, the family’s journey into the world of miniatures started over 30 years ago when she and her late brother Lin Ke-Xiao (林克孝) were studying in the U.S. Their mother joined them for a visit, and a chance purchase of a DIY dollhouse kit sparked a new passion.

This initial interest led Lin Wen-Ren and his wife to collect dollhouses and connect with miniature artists worldwide, commissioning bespoke pieces for the museum. One of the museum's crown jewels, the "Rose Mansion," was created by an artist,  Dr. Reginald Twigg they met through a magazine and was later shipped to Taiwan for its final assembly—a faithful recreation of a century-old Californian mansion.

Each meticulously crafted piece in the museum reflects the deep emotional ties within the Lin family. Early on, the couple focused on smaller items, but when they decided to establish the museum, they commissioned larger pieces. Every item in the museum, whether large or small, is cherished by Lin Ke-Zhen. For example, several wall-mounted room boxes were handmade by her mother, each rivaling professional artistry. Additionally, Lin Wen-Ren had artists create "Ting Ting's Room" 「婷婷的房間」and "Yong Yong's Toy House"「湧湧的玩具屋」 for his grandchildren, with the children often spending time in front of their dedicated rooms, lost in the miniature world.

A walk further into the museum reveals a wall filled with scaled-down vintage cars, collected by Lin Wen-Ren for his car-loving grandson. When his grandchildren expressed a fondness for the book "Dinosaur Empire(恐龍帝國)," he commissioned an artist to bring the story to life, creating a three-dimensional dinosaur empire within the museum.

Though Lin Ke-Zhen initially studied computer science and later film in university, she eventually found herself running the museum, a field far removed from her academic background. She admits to being a realist, not very imaginative, and indifferent to the collections. However, when asked about her hobbies, her eyes light up as she joyfully shares her love for collecting Star Wars memorabilia, particularly the R2-D2 robot. Her collection, which she’s amassed both locally and abroad, fills her home—though she humorously whispers, "Don't tell my mom; she always scolds me for buying too much."

Reflecting on her late brother, who tragically passed away in a mountain accident, Lin Ke-Zhen recalls how his love for collecting small house-shaped items led their mother to explore miniature shops, ultimately intertwining their family’s fate with miniature art. It was her brother's suggestion 20 years ago that inspired their parents to share their private collection with the public, leading to the establishment of the Miniature Museum. "He was the true founder," Lin Ke-Zhen says with emotion. To the family, the museum is more than just a place to display art; it is a continuation of Lin Ke-Xiao’s love and passion—a living legacy.

Today, the Miniature Museum has become a must-see destination for many foreign visitors. If the towering skyscrapers of the city become tiresome, a visit to this museum offers a whimsical escape, where you can imagine yourself as a prince or princess, exploring a miniature world filled with wonder.