The museum occupies warehouses originally built in the 1970s, which were repurposed from their industrial use at the Kaohsiung Port.
The scale model layout features over 200 meters of railway track representing various eras of the Hamasen district.
Hamasen is derived from the Japanese 'Hamasen' (hama-sen), meaning 'seaside track,' referring to the railway lines serving the port.
The miniature displays include precise replicas of iconic local structures that existed in the 1960s.
The museum functions as a center for 'Railway Diorama' modeling, integrating digital control systems with static historical exhibits.
The Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway is located within the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, occupying renovated historical warehouses B7 and B8. The museum focuses on the history of the Hamasen area, which served as the inaugural gateway for railway transportation in Kaohsiung during the Japanese colonial period. The centerpiece is an expansive 1:87 scale model layout that replicates the historical railway system, including the old Kaohsiung Port Station. Visitors can observe automated model trains traversing miniature landscapes that reflect the city's urban development over several decades. The site maintains historical artifacts, vintage rolling stock, and photographic records of the port's industrial past. It serves as an educational hub for understanding the evolution of Taiwan's logistics infrastructure.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the massive 1:87 scale model diorama.
Bring a pair of binoculars or use a macro camera lens to capture the high level of detail in the miniature city scenes.
Check the museum's schedule for live train operation demonstrations which occur throughout the day.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Pier-2 Art Center outdoor installations.
Do not touch the miniature train dioramas, as they are fragile and electronically sensitive.
Closed on Tuesdays.
