
The Chi Mei Museum, located in the Chi Mei Industrial Building in the Baoan Industrial Park in Taiwan, consists of five departments: Western paintings and sculptures, musical instruments, ancient weapons, natural history, and ancient artifacts.
The museum's collection is rich and diverse , including Egyptian artifacts from the 8th century BC, world-class precious musical instruments, Japanese samurai swords from hundreds of years ago, classics of the Renaissance and Barbizon schools of painting, and a multicultural collection of bird specimens that is unique in Asia.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Permanent exhibition area NT$ 200 per person
9:30-17:30, closed on Wednesdays, Lunar New Year's Eve and the first day of the Lunar New Year
The Chimei Museum was founded by the Chimei Corporation’s founder, Shi Wen-long, and opened in 1992. It is one of Taiwan’s most renowned museums, known for its rich collection of Western art, musical instruments, arms and armor, and natural history exhibits. The museum blends art, culture, and education in an iconic architectural setting.
The Chimei Museum is located in Rende District, Tainan City. It is accessible by taxi, and public buses from the Tainan city center also provide access. Visitors can also use bicycles, as the area is quite scenic for cycling.
The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Adult tickets are around NT$200, with discounts for children, students, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's entrance or online via the museum's website.
It is not required to book tickets in advance, but booking online can save time. For special events or exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets at least a few days in advance.
To fully explore the Chimei Museum, plan for 2-3 hours. If you want to visit special exhibitions or enjoy the garden, you may want to spend additional time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for rent at the museum’s entrance.
The best photography spots include the sculpture garden, the main hall showcasing large art pieces, and the museum’s outdoor spaces, which feature beautiful landscapes and sculptures.
Start with the Western Art Collection to get a sense of the museum’s scope, then visit the musical instrument and arms collections. Finally, take some time to explore the museum’s garden and enjoy the outdoor sculptures.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows, but it occasionally hosts special evening events or cultural exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule for any special nighttime activities.
The museum can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the mornings.
The museum has clean restroom facilities, a café, water fountains, and a small gift shop selling souvenirs related to the exhibits. Rest areas are scattered throughout the museum, particularly in the garden area.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps and elevators for ease of movement. It is also family-friendly, with areas suitable for children to explore and learn about art and culture.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as credit cards and digital wallets) are accepted at the museum’s ticket counter, café, and gift shop.
Vegetarian options are available in the museum’s café, as well as in several nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in Tainan city, not far from the museum.
The museum’s gift shop sells art prints, postcards, and small replicas of pieces from the museum’s collection. Local handicrafts and art-related souvenirs are also available.
After visiting the museum, taxis, buses, or rental bikes are convenient options for continuing your trip. Tainan’s public transportation system is efficient for reaching other major attractions in the city.