Togo Rural Village Art Museum

“It is not an indoor art museum, it is an entire outdoor village; it is not a scenic area, it is a lively community; it is not a theme park, it is a producing farm. When you come to the Togo Village, you are in the rural art museum. The display items change according to seasons, and the village people are the guides. The farmland is the canvas, the farm goods are the art works, and the farmers are the artists.” This reference above is the best definition of this unique rural village in Southern Taiwan. The Togo Village almost became a deserted area because there were too many spare messy spaces and that the younger generations were reluctant to stay in the village. Then thanks to the collaboration between the local farmers and members of the community construction council, the Togo Village was able to be transformed. They spent a significant amount of effort organizing the land currently not used for farming to bring about a brand new aesthetics of the urban rural life. All of the work were accomplished without the government’s subsidies, which gives the village an unmistakably unique local style. Local residents are extremely cordial. Some of them offer their own yards as parking lots for visitors; some will invite you to visit their own homes. The village, home to many modern artists and warm-hearted villagers, is dotted with traditionally-structured “sanhoyuan” residences surrounded by farm fields, filled with sunlight, and come with enthusiastic villagers. These are the things that no other arts museums and galleries in all cities of Taiwan can compare, and perhaps the reason why even well-known picture book artist Jimmy also rents an exhibition space here (A separate ticket is required if you wish to visit).

Although most items are displayed outdoors, some of the art works are placed inside the villagers’ own houses, visitors are required to obtain a pass to see those items. Although you do not HAVE to see each and every item, your TWD150 contribution allows the museum to continue operating and provide the necessary maintenance. The village is quite far from the city and there are not many places to dine in the area. If you are not the type of person who enjoy slowing down, relax and feel the calmness, this village tour might not be suitable for you. If you get starving after the tour, it’s time to head to Yanshui for some awesome Taiwanese yi noodles.