building, establishment

館 is composed of the radical 食 (eat) and 官 (official). 官 conveys the idea of a building constructed on elevated ground, originally meaning government office. As 官 later developed other meanings, 館 was created to specifically denote its original meaning. Since officials would reside and dine within the government office, 館 not only refers to government offices but also generally denotes buildings for lodging, conducting affairs, or holding activities.