Introduction
During the Japanese colonial period, the implementation of an electoral system led to the transformation of the Advisory Council into the Prefectural Assembly. Unlike its advisory predecessor, the assembly was a formal government body responsible for policy deliberation and decision-making, with members comprising both appointed and elected representatives. Due to space constraints within the prefectural office and in order to emphasize the assembly's independence, new reinforced concrete buildings—a three-story and a two-story structure—were constructed to the west of the original office.
In 1965, a temporary assembly approved a renovation project, leading to the addition of a five-story extension over the arcade, resulting in the structure's current appearance. The Old Tainan Prefectural Council faces north and features a concrete-tile roof. Its simple exterior spans approximately four bays in width, with the eastern section being narrower. The thick walls between columns give a sense of solidity. A skybridge was also included in the design to facilitate officials' movement between buildings.
In April 2007, the building was repurposed as the Tainan Municipal Council History Museum, showcasing valuable artifacts and historical documents related to Taiwan's and Tainan's local self-governance. It stands as a witness to Taiwan’s legislative development and offers visitors a glimpse into the evolution of local politics. The building also houses a photography cultural center, which regularly exhibits a variety of photographic works.
