The NTU School of Medicine, founded in 1897, is the oldest school in the history of medical education in Taiwan. Established by the Japanese government at the time, it was first a medical training center at the Taipei Hospital to train young Taiwanese doctors. In April 1899, The Medical School of the Government of Formosa was established, and in 1936, the School of Medicine was officially established at Taihoku Imperial University.

The Museum of Medical Humanities is a two-story building of late-Renaissance style designed by the Japanese architect Kondo Juro. The biochemistry and pharmacology lab was completed first (the building facing Zhongshan S. Road, completed in December 1907), followed by the main building and the entrance hall (facing Ren’ai Road, completed in November 1913).

In 1980, reconstruction of the College of Medicine and the affiliated hospital commenced. The lecture hall was demolished first, leaving only the hall and part of the west wing. Considering that the Medical Humanities Building is the only historical building in the College of Medicine, and that it bears witness to the century-long development of the College and medical education in Taiwan, Dr. Hsieh Bor-shen (the former Dean) and other faculty members proposed to have it reconstructed and conserved.

In January 1995, funding for reconstruction was raised among the alumni; the reconstruction then commenced in August, and the Medical Humanities Building was put into service on February 21, 1998. Since its inauguration, the Medical Humanities building has served as the center for medical humanities education, exhibition of medical-related cultural artifacts, and social events for alumni, faculty members, and students alike. In the future, it will continue to be an environment which encourages students to learn from their predecessors and carry on fine traditions, so that the building can bring its educational function into full play.

In November 2008, the building became part of the NTU Museums as the Museum of Medical Humanities, and opened up for the public to visit. The collection and displays in the Museum focus on the history of medicine in Taiwan, revealing the contribution of the College of Medicine to the development of modern medicine and medical education in Taiwan and showing how various fields of medicine developed. At the same time, the Museum offers faculty members research materials in the field of medical humanities. With these endeavors, the Museum hopes to channel viewers’ attention to all the aspects of human life, including physical, psychological, and societal aspects, so that the public can foster a people-centered humanistic spirit and culture.