Chimei Museum in Tainan
Part of the Tainan travel guide — see every topic in All Tainan Guides.
The Chimei Museum is a large private museum in Tainan Metropolitan Park, south of the city centre. It was founded by Shih Wen-long, the businessman behind the Chimei company, and it moved into its present building in 2015. The building looks like a European palace, and the collections are wide: Western painting and sculpture, musical instruments, arms and armour, natural history and more. It is one of the most visited museums in southern Taiwan.
The building and park
The museum stands at the end of a long lawn and a lake in Tainan Metropolitan Park. The white building has columns, a dome and grand stairs, in the style of a European palace. In front of it is a large fountain with statues, and a bridge lined with copies of classical sculptures crosses the lake. The park is free to enter and open all day. Many people come only for the park, to walk, take photos and watch the building at sunset, when it is lit.
Art galleries
The art galleries hold European painting and sculpture from several centuries. Most of the works are by lesser-known artists, but the collection is large and well displayed, and it gives a good overview of styles and periods. There are portraits, landscapes, religious scenes and everyday life. Sculpture is shown in bright halls. For many visitors from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, it is the easiest place to see this kind of art in the region. Labels are in Chinese and English.
Musical instruments
The musical instrument collection is the highlight for many visitors. The museum is known for one of the largest violin collections in the world, including instruments by famous Italian makers. Some are lent to young musicians to play in concerts. The gallery also shows instruments from many countries and periods, from early keyboards to mechanical music machines. In some rooms you can listen to recordings of the instruments. Music lovers should allow extra time here. Photography rules differ by gallery, so look for the signs.
Natural history and arms
The natural history galleries show a large collection of animal specimens from around the world, including big mammals, birds and fossils. Children usually enjoy this part most. The arms and armour gallery holds swords, guns and suits of armour from many cultures and centuries. There is also a section on antiquities, with objects from ancient civilisations. The museum is large, so pick two or three galleries that interest you most rather than trying to see everything in detail. A café and rest areas inside the museum make a long visit easier.
Planning a visit
The museum is near Bao'an railway station, a short local train ride south of Tainan Station, then a walk of about 15 minutes. It can also be reached by taxi from the city centre or from the Tainan high-speed rail station. The museum closes on one weekday each week, at the time of writing Wednesday, so check before you go. Buying tickets online in advance is a good idea on weekends and holidays. Allow at least half a day. Bags may need to go in lockers.
Chimei Museum at a glance
| Getting there | Bao'an railway station, then about 15 minutes on foot; or taxi |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime; closed one weekday each week (Wednesday at the time of writing) |
| Cost | Paid entry to the museum; the park is free |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; sunset in the park |
| Allow | Half a day |