Taipei Exhibition｜Modern Times: Records Turn, Pop Is Born

[Time and Space Old House – Record Store Entrance] In 1877, Edison invented the phonograph, which marked the starting point for the official preservation of sound waves. In 1900, phonographs and records began to appear in foreign goods stores for people to view and purchase. Under such cultural stimulation, our own record story began.

[Modern Music Salon] In 1911, record companies officially entered Taiwan, ushering in a new era of recording. Later, through the high circulation of records, they were exchanged with countries around the world. Singing songs that belong to Taiwan also promotes new ideas of the times.

[Producer's Memory Book Room] The key figures behind the music scene appear on the stage. Producers and songwriters jointly create many popular songs, including "Moonlit Night Sadness", "Looking Forward to Spring Breeze", "Rural Song", "Four Seasons Red", etc., creating the first popular peak of Taiwanese pop songs.

[Days and Nights in Dadaocheng] “Morden” is pronounced as “modern”, which is often translated into Taiwanese as “mao duan”. It was a golden age when black cats (modern women) and black dogs (fashionable men) were in love freely. Dadaocheng’s unique cultural atmosphere made it not only a gathering place for arts and culture, but also a holy place for men and women to date at that time.

[Brazilian Tea House] was opened by Chunchun, the first generation female star on the island. In addition to singers who often visit the store, music industry forums are often held in the store, where live pop songs blend with the aroma of coffee, creating a world of sharing ideas among musicians.

[Modern Times Daily] Before the war, the mainstream media was newspapers first, followed by radio. Real gossip could be seen in the newspapers, including the dynamics or anecdotes of female stars, courtesans, and prostitutes, giving a glimpse into the hazy and lively scenes of the modern night at that time.

[Modern Time and Space Corridor] In 1914, the first record in Taiwan was released, and it has been more than a hundred years since then. This area collects century-old phonographs, records, manuscripts, lyrics cards, etc., and uses cultural relics to string together the entire picture of the record industry, so that the century-old music memory can be reproduced and witness the historical scene of Taiwan's sound.

[Advertising Festival] It is not uncommon for singers to perform live for promotional purposes. Advertising vehicles parading and bands playing along the streets can be seen everywhere, creating a special and lively street scene. This area will invite you to become a modern spokesperson!

[Slow Walk Back] presents a map of record stores and record companies in Taipei before the war, and compares it with the current map. The city landscape with dense record stores at that time is like a piece of music that connects the rhythm of life.

[Peacock Coffee Shop] In the 1930s, coffee shop culture became a trend in Taiwan, combining exquisite cuisine, alcoholic beverages and female waitresses, becoming a corner of the city where modernity and romance are intertwined. The women chat with people to relieve their boredom and provide emotional comfort, allowing people to temporarily forget their worries in the fragrance and light. In 1932, tea merchant Guo Borong opened the "Peacock Coffee Shop" in Dadaocheng, creating a modern space with gorgeous decoration and 21 hostesses; he later founded "Boyou Music Records", combining music and entertainment, leading the early development of Taiwanese pop music. The special exhibition "Modern Times: Records Turn, Pop Is Born" is a replica of the "Peacock Coffee Shop" on the first floor of the Taipei Music Center Cultural Hall. With the coffee shop as the center, it integrates the musical elements of Boyu Music and reproduces the coffee culture of a hundred years ago through space design and retro details. In addition, visitors who bring their exhibition admission vouchers (including physical tickets and electronic tickets) to the Peacock Coffee Shop can enjoy a set of exquisite snacks with their exhibition tickets.