Buzz
Chimei Museum stands as a prime destination for art enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Tainan, this architectural marvel boasts a European-inspired design. It has also become a favorite spot for tourists to capture memorable moments during their visit to Tainan. Discover why this place is so highly regarded by exploring the details in the following article!
An overview of Chimei Museum
Chimei Museum, also known as Kỳ Mỹ Museum, is situated at No. 66, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Rende District. It is approximately 10km from the center of Tainan City. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on January 1, 2005, and has been a popular attraction for visitors ever since its inception.
The museum was established by Mr. Shi Wen-Long, a businessman, founder of the Chimei Corporation, and an amateur violinist. He created the Chimei Cultural Foundation, which provides scholarships for violinists. The museum originated from his personal collection of violins.
The architectural style in the image evokes a strong sense of European skies (Image source: Collected)
Spanning approximately 10 hectares in Tainan, this private museum is one of the largest in Taiwan. Construction began in 1992 and took four years to complete, with a total investment of about 1.85 billion TWD, equivalent to 61.6 million USD.
Chimei has been recognized as one of the museums with the most 'valuable' collections globally. In 2016 and 2017, it was awarded the 'Excellence Award' and 'Travelers' Choice'. In 2018, Chimei ranked 19th among the best museums in Asia.
How to Get to Chimei Museum
The most common way to reach Chimei Museum is by train. Taiwan boasts a highly developed transportation system, making it easy to travel between cities. There are three train options you can consider for your journey.
Getting to the museum is not difficult (Image source: Collected)
- Option 1: Purchase a ticket to Bao'an Station for around 15 NDT, approximately 47,000 VND. From there, walk an additional 1km and cross a bridge to reach Chimei Museum.
- Option 2: For those traveling from Taipei or Taichung, you can buy an HSR ticket to Tainan HSR Station. After arriving, take bus H31 to the Chimei Museum stop. Then, walk 900 meters to reach the museum.
- Option 3: Take a local train to Bao'an Station. After exiting, turn right and walk straight for about 900 meters, crossing a bridge to arrive at the museum. This walking route takes approximately 10 minutes.
Operating Hours and Ticket Prices for Chimei Museum
Chimei Museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. However, it remains closed every Wednesday and on public holidays. Keep this in mind to plan your visit and schedule accordingly!
Admission to the museum costs approximately 200,000 NDT, around 150,000 VND for the permanent exhibition. For special exhibitions, the ticket price is 180 NDT, equivalent to 120,000 VND. Students and Taiwanese workers enjoy free entry.
The museum's exhibits will leave you in awe (Image source: Collected)
One important rule to remember when visiting Chimei Museum is that photography and videography are prohibited inside the building. If you carry any equipment, it must remain in your bag and not be used. To ensure compliance, security personnel are stationed throughout the museum.
Distinctive Architectural Features of Chimei Museum
Once you step into Chimei Museum, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by its architecture. This is one of the highlights that draws countless visitors. To better understand its uniqueness, dive into the details through the following article!
1. Structure of the Museum
Chimei Museum features two floors with a total of four exhibition halls, each dedicated to different themes. These include a painting gallery, a musical instruments room, an arms and armor exhibit, a natural history section, and a European sculpture gallery. Additionally, the corridors and interior spaces are adorned with numerous artistic statues.
The artistic ambiance inside the museum (Image source: Collected)
Visiting here offers you the chance to explore every corner of the museum. Each floor and themed room provides diverse perspectives and valuable knowledge. If you’re an art enthusiast, this is a must-visit destination you won’t want to miss.
2. Exterior Spaces of Chimei Museum
As soon as you arrive at Chimei Museum, the exterior space will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. It feels as though you’ve stepped into a distant European landscape. The museum’s striking white facade stands out against the blue sky and lush green lawns.
The garden features numerous bridges and statues inspired by Greek mythology. These sculptures seem to welcome visitors to explore the site. Additionally, a refreshing pond and fountain add to the serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Every corner here is a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos (Image source: Collected)
After crossing the stone bridge, the central building comes into view. Its dome-shaped roof, designed with classical elegance, creates a timeless aesthetic. Combined with the Apollo fountain mentioned earlier, the overall scene becomes even more captivating.
3. First Floor of the Chimei Museum
When visiting Chimei, you must explore every corner of the museum. The first floor of Chimei is a uniquely special space that will surely amaze you. It showcases a variety of weapons, including swords, knives, guns, and ammunition, from both Europe and Asia. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the famous generals and leaders from the history of each civilization.
Artistic statues displayed in the museum (Image source: Collected)
Moreover, you’ll have the chance to observe a diverse range of wildlife. These species span from Europe to the distant lands of Australia, and from the Arctic to the Antarctic. All of this is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on you. It’s an experience you’re unlikely to find in any other museum.
4. Second Floor of the Museum
The second floor of the Chimei Museum is designed in a classic European style. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Europe, the paintings from the 15th to 16th centuries will undoubtedly leave you in awe. These artworks feature a variety of themes, including portraits and religious subjects, offering a rich and diverse visual experience.
Additionally, this floor boasts an extensive collection of musical instruments. You’ll have the opportunity to admire thousands of instruments, such as vintage guitars and record players, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. For enthusiasts of classical music or music in general, this exhibit is sure to captivate your interest.
Numerous musical instruments are displayed here (Image source: Collected)
Thousands of artifacts on display are truly worth admiring. It seems that every visitor here is captivated by their beauty. If you’re unsure where to go in Tainan, make sure to schedule a visit to the Chimei Museum right away!
Impressive Features at the Chimei Museum That Attract Visitors
The aforementioned aspects have significantly contributed to the growing fame of the Chimei Museum. Let’s take a quick look with Mytour at what makes this museum so memorable for its visitors!
1. Impressive Architectural Style
From the very first impression, the Chimei Museum captivates visitors with its striking white color palette. Complemented by large, eye-catching white pillars, these features have led many to dub it the Louvre of Taiwan.
To elaborate on the architecture of the fountain mentioned earlier, those familiar with France will find this structure quite recognizable. It is considered a replica of the Le Bassin d’Apollon at the Palace of Versailles. So, even if you can’t visit France, you can still admire this masterpiece in Tainan.
A panoramic view of the Chimei Museum from a distance (Image source: Collected)
The Olympus Bridge leading to the museum is also meticulously designed. On either side of the bridge, 12 statues of the gods ruling Mount Olympus are displayed. These are the primary deities worshipped in Greek mythology.
Completing this complex was an incredibly meticulous process. The craftsmen spent three years creating molds in France, followed by another three years carving the marble in Italy. The spacious and airy environment here offers countless opportunities for stunning photos.
2. Unique Collections of Weapons, Sculptures, and Fine Arts
The Chimei Museum houses between 6,000 to 7,000 works across various genres. It’s no wonder this place is often compared to a treasure trove. Upon entering, you’ll encounter artifacts that have stood the test of time, offering a clearer perspective on humanity’s evolution and progress.
The collections include fine arts, weaponry, sculptures, and more. This diversity is what makes the museum so appealing to visitors. This stop is guaranteed to provide you with a wealth of fascinating knowledge.
3. An Impressive and Massive Collection of Musical Instruments
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Chimei Museum boasts what is considered the world’s largest collection of violins. As of 2019, the museum displays over 1,370 violins. It’s astonishing to think that these instruments were crafted by world-renowned luthiers such as Joseph Guarneri Filius Andrea, Antonio Stradivari, and Vincenzo Rugeri.
One of the most notable pieces is the legendary 1744 “Ole Bull” violin. This instrument is recognized as the final masterpiece of “The King Joseph” - Guarneri del Gesu. Originally a treasure of Norway, it is now showcased here. Valued at 300 million TWD (approximately 10 million USD), this violin is the most prized possession in the museum.
If you’re a music enthusiast, this collection is sure to leave you in awe (Image source: Collected)
The instruments at the museum are not only displayed but also loaned out for performances. Among the collection, 220 violins are frequently lent free of charge to 3,000 musicians. These instruments have been used in performances for years, contributing to numerous impressive awards. For instance, Lin Chao-liang won the Silver Medal at the 15th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2015, with the Castelbarco-Tarisio Guarnerius violin playing a significant role in his victory.
4. Beautiful Natural Scenery
With its spacious grounds and unique outdoor installations, the museum feels like a vast park. Featuring lush green lawns and serene lakes, it offers an ideal space for relaxation. After your tour, you can take a break here to enjoy the scenery and recharge before continuing your journey.
The exterior of the Chimei Museum features ample space for outdoor activities like camping (Image source: Collected)
For locals, this place is also an ideal weekend destination for families and couples. Some groups of friends even organize camping trips or weekend picnics at the museum. These experiences are sure to make your visit truly memorable!
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting the Chimei Museum
There are a few things you should note before visiting the Chimei Museum to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Let’s take a look at what you need to prepare for the best possible trip!
The striking architectural design inside the Chimei Museum (Image source: Collected)
- The Chimei Museum operates during specific hours, so it’s best to plan your visit during the day and avoid holidays and Wednesdays.
- If you enter the museum without touring the exhibits, no ticket is required. Ticket prices vary by age, so make sure to check in advance.
- During special exhibition days, ticket prices may change and could be higher. However, group discounts are available for parties of two or three.
Chimei Museum is truly a must-visit destination during your trip to Taiwan. This stop will undoubtedly provide you with invaluable knowledge. To book a tour to Taiwan, contact Mytour via hotline 028 3827 0404 today!
