The Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) is a large private museum set within Tainan Metropolitan Park in Rende District, Tainan, Taiwan. Founded in 1992 by industrialist Shi Wen-long of Chi Mei Corporation, it reopened at its current site in 2015 with the mission of bringing world-class art to everyone. Its neoclassical, Versailles-inspired building and grounds—featuring the Apollo Fountain and Olympus Bridge—house roughly 12,000 works, including the world's largest violin collection alongside arms and armor, Western fine art, sculpture, and natural history.
World's largest violin collection - over 1,370 instruments, including rare Stradivari and Guarneri masterpieces, in the Musical Instruments Hall
Apollo Fountain Plaza - a full-scale marble replica of the fountain at the Palace of Versailles greets you on arrival
Olympus Bridge - lined with statues of the Twelve Olympian gods, forming a dramatic approach to the main building
Arms & Armor Hall and Rodin Hall - weaponry from prehistory to the modern era, plus Western sculpture including works by Rodin
Animal Hall and fossils - large taxidermy and natural-history specimens that are a hit with families and children
Good to know
CautionOutside Bao'an TRA Station, taxi drivers may tout rides to the museum, but it is only a 10-15 minute walk. There is no need to take one; if you do, confirm the meter or fare first.
MannersNever touch the exhibits; eating, gum, and smoking are prohibited indoors. Non-flash photography is generally allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, 360-degree cameras, and wedding/cosplay/commercial shoots are not (verify latest rules).
SeasonGallery air conditioning is set quite cold, so bring a light layer even in summer. Conversely, the outdoor grounds offer little shade—Tainan is hot and humid in summer (June-Aug), so bring a hat, water, and sun protection.
RulesLong umbrellas, bags larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm, and entry in slippers or roller shoes are restricted (verify latest rules). Use the cloakroom for large items.
SafetyWeekends, public holidays, and tour-bus arrival times get very crowded. Special exhibitions require a separate ticket and may use timed-entry reservations, so book online in advance via the official site for smoother entry.
Practical info
Open 9:30-17:30 (last entry 17:00), closed Wednesdays; outdoor grounds free from 9:00-18:30. Permanent exhibition NT$200 (concession NT$150); special exhibitions priced separately (verify latest). From Tainan Station, take the local train ~1 stop to Bao'an Station (7 min) then walk, or a taxi (~10 min). Coordinates 22.93456, 120.22602.
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