Plizio Visual Lab
Chimei Museum
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Chimei Museum in Tainan is a private institution founded by Shi Wen-long of the Chi Mei Corporation, housing an extensive collection of Western art and artifacts. The museum moved to its current iconic building in the Tainan Metropolitan Park in 2015, which features Neo-Classical architecture and a grand fountain inspired by Apollo. Its collection is divided into four main categories: Western art, musical instruments, weaponry, and natural history. The museum is particularly famous for its world-class collection of violins, including instruments by Stradivari and Guarneri. The grounds include the Apollo Fountain and the Olympus Bridge, adorned with statues of Greek deities, creating a distinct European atmosphere. It stands as a testament to the founder's vision of sharing high culture and education with the general public, providing an immersive experience of Western heritage in Taiwan.
- Location: Taiwan
- Top sights: Tomato club · projected fish ecological wetland · Wanfu Temple
- Nearby: Kaohsiung (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 31 | 48 | 79 | 223 | 344 | 289 | 441 | 242 | 72 | 49 | 34 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Chimei Museum in Tainan is a private art museum with an impressive collection of European art, musical instruments, and historical weapons. It is open to visitors year-round.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays. Check the website for special hours.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in most exhibition areas. Some special exhibits may have a photography ban; watch for signs.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours for a thorough walk through the collections. Art and music lovers can easily spend half a day.
Combine with
Combine the museum visit with the nearby Tainan Confucius Temple and Chihkan Tower. Both are about ten minutes away by taxi.
Getting there
The museum is on the outskirts of Tainan, easily reachable by bus, taxi, or rental car. There is a large paid parking lot on site.
Insider tip
Use the audio guide available in several languages to gain deeper insights into the collections. The museum shop gives high-quality reproductions of artworks.
Geography
Facts
- The museum was originally established in 1992 inside a factory building.
- The current Neo-Classical building was opened to the public in January 2015.
- It houses the world's largest collection of violins and string instruments.
- The Olympus Bridge features 12 statues of primary Greek deities.
- The Apollo Fountain is an authorized replica of the fountain at Versailles.
- The museum's collection consists of more than 10,000 unique artifacts.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chimei Museum (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How much time is needed for the museum?
At least 3-4 hours, as the grounds are very expansive.
Are tickets available on-site?
Yes, but online booking is safer on weekends.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography without flash is allowed in most areas.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, the entire building is designed to be wheelchair accessible.
Is there a restaurant in the museum?
Yes, there are cafes and a restaurant in the main building.
Chimei Museum: where is it located?
Chimei Museum is located in Taiwan.
Chimei Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tomato club, projected fish ecological wetland, Wanfu Temple.
Chimei Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Chimei Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Chimei Museum in Tainan is a private institution founded by Shi Wen-long of the Chi Mei Corporation, housing an extensive collection of Western art and artifacts.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Taiwan →
Nearby cities
Tainan
The oldest city on the island, rich in historic temples and traditional food culture.
Kaohsiung
A major port city in the south, known for the Love River and the Pier-2 Art Center.
Budai Township
A charming port town in Chiayi, famous for its 'High-Heel Wedding Church' and top-quality oysters.
Puzi
A traditional coastal township in Chiayi, known for its ancient Peitian Mazu Temple.
Dongshi Township
Taiwan's oyster capital features a colorful fisherman's wharf and family-friendly water attractions.
Taibao
A quiet county seat in Chiayi County, home to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum.
Pingtung
A tropical city in the south, characterized by a rich agricultural culture.
Donggang
A major fishing port in Pingtung County, famous for bluefin tuna and temple festivals.
Xiaoliuqiu
Taiwan's only coral island, famous for its high density of green sea turtles and year-round warm waters.
Chiayi
A historic city in central Taiwan, serving as the gateway to the scenic Alishan mountain region.
Chaozhou
A vibrant township in southern Taiwan, famous for cold shaved ice and fried spring rolls.
Huwei
A culturally rich city in Yunlin, known for traditional glove puppetry.
Douliu
The administrative capital of Yunlin County, famous for pomelos and historic streets.
Maolin
A nature lover's paradise, famous for the winter migration of millions of Purple Crow butterflies.
Yuanlin
A prosperous small city that combines traditional orchards with modern development.
History & landmarks
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Two colorful, seven-story pagodas at the Lotus Pond, where you enter through a dragon's mouth and exit through a tiger's mouth for good l…
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
A massive Buddhist temple complex and museum that houses a significant tooth relic of the historical Buddha.
Lugang
A historic port town renowned for its well-preserved temples, traditional architecture, and local crafts.
Nature
More places
Chihkan Tower
Built in 1653 by the Dutch as Fort Provintia, the tower is one of Taiwan's oldest buildings.
Fort Zeelandia
Built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, this fort is an important historical landmark.
Eternal Golden Castle
A 19th-century defensive fortress in Tainan built to protect against foreign invasions.
Southern Taiwan Science Park
A cutting-edge hub for optoelectronics, integrated circuits, and green energy.
Sihcao Green Tunnel
A picturesque mangrove waterway where visitors can take boat rides under a dense green canopy.
Taijiang National Park
Taijiang National Park protects extensive wetlands and mangrove forests that harbor a diverse birdlife.
Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park
A park honoring the Japanese engineer Hatta Yoichi, who built the Chianan Irrigation System and the Wushantou Reservoir.
Shoushan Zoo
An urban zoo in Kaohsiung on the hillside of Mount Shoushan, featuring Asian and African animals.