Public Works Department, Taipei City Government

The highly acclaimed Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers has entered its fifth year and is now showcasing a brand-new display at the Discovery Center of Taipei. For the first time, this event is held in conjunction with the "Taipei New Story" exhibition, providing an immersive experience of both manhole art and stunning riverbank murals. The exhibition fully showcases the "past and present" of manhole covers along with stunning riverbank murals. Visitors can also collect exclusive manhole cover stamps on-site, giving fans a chance to complete their collections.

According to the Taipei City Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO), the “Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers” project, launched in 2020, brought together artists and interdisciplinary designers to create unique painted manhole covers that represent the local culture, landscapes, and industries of the city’s 12 districts. This special exhibition will feature all 24 manhole cover designs. Visitors can also collect all 24 commemorative stamps during the exhibition. Fans of the distinctive painted manhole covers should not miss this rare opportunity!

The Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers project aims to transform manhole covers by viewing the world from the ground up, reimagining these often-overlooked urban features. This initiative overturns the common perception of manhole covers as dirty, unsightly, or even hazardous, adding a touch of warmth and emotion to water conservancy projects. Residents are encouraged to experience the beauty of Taipei from a new perspective by visiting the locations of these manhole covers, enhancing their appreciation of the city’s aesthetics through an immersive journey.

To address the previous, disconnect between the rigid structures of embankments and their surrounding environments, the HEO launched the “Taipei New Story” project in 2020. This initiative aims to beautify the riverbank walls by incorporating local cultural elements through the creative work of multiple artists. After conducting interviews, holding public townhall briefings, and conducting on-site research, the artists gathered oral and written narratives, refining them into professional designs. These artworks breathe life into the once stark, cold floodwalls, transforming them into large-scale artistic creations that tell the stories of the area. This exhibition features 27 pieces inspired by the riverbanks of the Keelung River, Xindian River, and Tamsui River that surround Taipei.

The HEO, primarily responsible for water resources management and disaster prevention, also oversees the construction, management, and maintenance of the city’s stormwater drains, riverside parks, embankments, and pumping stations. However, it has made significant strides in beautifying the city's visual appeal. Through its expertise, the HEO has incorporated urban aesthetics into the design of manhole covers and floodwalls, gradually enriching the cityscape and resonating more with residents.

The Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers project previously held exhibitions in 2020 and 2022, receiving widespread positive acclaim. Fans have since requested additional opportunities to revisit the displays. In response, the HEO is hosting this special exhibition, also featuring the Taipei New Story project, which showcases the collective efforts and creativity of numerous artists. The HEO cordially invites everyone to visit the exhibition and explore the unique beauty of Taipei from a fresh perspective.

Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers x Taipei New Story Special Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: July 12, 2024, to December 24, 2024

Location: Discovery Center of Taipei, 3F, City Discovery Hall, Lounge Area on both sides

Address: No. 1, Shifu Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City (Taipei City Hall)

Opening Hours: Thursdays to Tuesdays, 09:00 to 17:00 (Closed on Wednesdays and public holidays)