A Cultural Gallery Merging Taiwan’s Ecology and Contemporary Art

 

transforms the spatial characteristics of this five-star hotel into an urban mountain rising along the Calligraphy Greenway. Each of the hotel’s 18 floors embodies a distinct elevation of Taiwan’s landscapes, embedding the ecological characteristics of low, mid, and high altitudes. Themes of geology, flora, birds, butterflies, and minerals weave together layered stories and atmospheres across the vertical journey.

 

The 110 artworks installed throughout the hotel not only shape the spatial ambience but also serve as invitations to a secret expedition—sparking curiosity, imagination, and heightened perception. Within the hotel, guests experience the wonder of traversing Taiwan’s mountains, embarking on an unexpected and enchanting journey.

 

Four creative teams—including Taiwanese and international artists—contributed to this project. Together, they present interpretations of four central mountain ranges, ten geological landscapes, four rare Taiwanese minerals, thirty native plants and fungi, and over twenty precious butterflies, birds, and animals. This constellation of works manifests within the hotel as a parallel dimension: the Vertical Museum. Approaching each artwork opens a portal to nature, inviting visitors on an immersive ecological exploration of Taiwan.

 

Thus, InterContinental Taichung is not only a place for high-quality hospitality and dining, but also a living collection of Taiwan’s ecological beauty—translated through art, infused with the sunlight, greenery, and cultural vibrancy of the Calligraphy Greenway. With design language drawn from the rhythms of nature, it offers both global travelers and local visitors a creative and wondrous Formosan Cabinet of Curiosities.

 

1F Estuary Settlement｜

Inspired by the landscape of the Dajia River, one of central Taiwan’s most significant waterways, the first-floor lobby is envisioned as an estuary settlement along the Calligraphy Greenway. Here, travelers from afar are warmly welcomed, and every heart eager for adventure finds its harbor. Providing thoughtful, all-day service, the space interweaves the human landscape into a unique “estuarine ecosystem,” circulating endlessly in harmony.

 

2F Avian Atlas｜

The second-floor Chinese restaurant draws inspiration from Taiwan’s rich avian ecology, blending the depth of Eastern cultural heritage with the vibrant vitality of nature. Through artistic interpretations of species such as the White-whiskered Laughingthrush, Formosan Blue Magpie, Mikado Pheasant, Mandarin Duck, and Muller’s Barbet, the space vividly captures the elegance and fluid motion of birds spreading their wings across verdant landscapes.

 

3F Butterfly Atlas｜

Taiwan’s rich butterfly ecology is one of its most remarkable natural treasures. Butterflies, symbols of freedom and beauty, embody the journey of transformation—emerging from their cocoons to dance gracefully among flowers and greenery.

 

The third-floor ballroom of InterContinental Taichung is themed around butterflies, weaving their imagery into the spatial language. The design aspires to honor every joyful moment in life—whether a new beginning, wedding, birthday celebration, business gathering, or academic exchange—gently supporting both reason and emotion, and encouraging guests to step confidently into new chapters of their lives.

 

Each artwork is accompanied by a QR code that can be scanned for detailed information.

 

Address｜No. 77, Guanqian Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 403020, Taiwan 

 

For more details, please visit the Vertical Museum official website.