The Presidential Office Building Permanent Exhibition

Step into the world of Taiwan's presidents. Immerse yourself in spaces where they delivered landmark speeches, took their oaths of office, and made critical decisions. Presidential documents, objects, and memorabilia will immerse you in the daily life of a president, offering insight into the decision-making processes that have shaped the nation.

• Chiang Kai-shek (1948-1975)
  Chiang Kai-shek was the first- to fifth-term president since the implementation of the Constitution, making him the longest-serving head of state in the history of the Republic of China. In December 1949, the central government relocated to Taipei. During his tenure, he implemented land reforms, launched five consecutive four-year economic development plans, extended compulsory education to nine years in 1968, and transformed Taiwan from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy.
• Yen Chia-kan (1975-1978)
  After the passing of President Chiang Kai-shek in 1975, Vice President Yen Chia-kan succeeded him as the fifth-term president, becoming the first civilian to hold the office. During his tenure, he fully supported Premier Chiang Ching-kuo's Ten Major Construction Projects, improved public administration, strengthened national defense, and encouraged the establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park, which became a base for the development of the high-tech industry. These initiatives laid the foundation for Taiwan's technological and economic development.
• Chiang Ching-kuo (1978-1988)
  Chiang Ching-kuo served as the sixth- and seventh-term president from 1978 to 1988. During his tenure, he expanded the scope of the Ten Major Construction Projects and implemented policies to promote Taiwanese elites to higher government positions. He increased the number of seats of national legislators and, in 1987, lifted the 38-year-long martial law, allowing for the establishment of new media organizations, granting permission to organize new political parties, and permitting Taiwan residents to visit relatives in China, turning a new page in relations across the Taiwan Strait.
• Lee Teng-hui (1988-2000)
  After the passing of President Chiang Ching-kuo in 1988, Vice President Lee Teng-hui succeeded him and was elected as the eighth-term president in 1990. During his tenure, he launched major democratic reforms, including the termination of the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion, complete re-election of the legislature, direct elections of the mayors of special municipalities and provincial governor, direct presidential election, and downsizing the functions and operations of the Taiwan Provincial Government. He also introduced the National Health Insurance program and was re-elected in 1996, becoming Taiwan's ninth-term president and the first to be democratically elected. Internationally, he was lauded as “Mr. Democracy.
• Chen Shui-bian (2000-2008)
  Chen Shui-bian served as the tenth- and eleventh-term president from 2000 to 2008, marking Taiwan's first peaceful transition of political power. During his tenure, he promoted the Mini Three Links connecting the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, financial reforms, social welfare legislation, judicial reform, and building the nation on the principles of human rights. In 2002, Taiwan officially became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in 2003, he signed the Referendum Act, further advancing Taiwan's democratic development.
• Ma Ying-jeou (2008-2016)
  From 2008 to 2016, Ma Ying-jeou served as the twelfth- and thirteenth-term president. During his tenure, he streamlined government ministries and merged and upgraded select cities and counties, creating the current structure of six special municipalities and 16 cities and counties. He also launched the i-Taiwan 12 Projects, established direct cross-strait flights, domesticated two key international human rights covenants, and signed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China.
• Tsai Ing-wen (2016-2024)
  From 2016 to 2024, Tsai Ing-wen served as the fourteenth- and fifteenth-term president, and was the Republic of China's first female head of state. During her tenure, she spearheaded national pension reform and policies for national defense, energy transition, and transitional justice. She also promoted the transformation of strategic industries and worked to maintain regional peace and stability while promoting global prosperity. Also during her tenure, legislation was passed for marriage equality in Taiwan, making it the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Lai Ching-te (Incumbent)
  In 2024, Lai Ching-te was elected as the sixteenth-term president, with his stated mission of bringing Taiwan together for greater solidarity and a stronger nation. He is advancing the National Project of Hope and the Four Pillars of Peace action plan and positioning Taiwan to become the “MVP of the democratic world.” He is focused on deepening partnerships with democratic nations and promoting global democracy, peace, and prosperity.