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Museums #1 in Tainan

Chimei Museum

4.7 · 68,960 reviews
Grand and scholarly
Chimei Museum, No. 66號, Section 2, Wenhua Rd, Chenggong Village, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 717015
Interesting facts
1

The museum houses the world's largest collection of violins, containing over 1,300 instruments.

2

The rooftop bronze sculpture is a casting of the Apollo Fountain group from the Palace of Versailles.

3

The museum features a 'Robot-Operated' violin demonstration where visitors can hear instruments from the collection played.

4

The museum building design is inspired by Greek and Roman architectural styles.

5

The collection includes rare ancient Egyptian artifacts and prehistoric fossils.

6

The museum was moved to its current, purpose-built facility in 2015 after outgrowing its original location within the Chimei factory.

Overview

The Chimei Museum in Tainan is a comprehensive private institution housing significant collections of Western fine art, musical instruments, weaponry, and natural history specimens. The museum is housed in a neoclassical building featuring a distinctively large dome topped by a bronze statue of Apollo. It possesses the world's largest collection of violins, including instruments by Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù. The fine art wing showcases paintings and sculptures ranging from the Renaissance to the post-impressionist era. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of historical firearms and armor from various global cultures. The natural history section includes a large display of taxidermied animal specimens. The building is situated within Tainan Metropolitan Park, which incorporates expansive landscaped gardens. The museum was founded by Shi Wen-long, the founder of the Chimei Corporation.

Photo spot

The Apollo Fountain plaza at the entrance, providing a full view of the museum's neoclassical facade.

Insider tips

Check the official website for rotating special exhibitions that may require separate registration.

Explore the outdoor grounds of Tainan Metropolitan Park, as the museum exterior and statues are significant features.

Use the museum's audio guide app to navigate the extensive fine art and instrument sections.

What to avoid

Attempting to see the entire collection in under two hours, as the scale of the museum is vast.

Good to know

Closed on Wednesdays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume, do not touch exhibits, and refrain from using flash photography in restricted galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and the peak midday heat.
Address
Chimei Museum, No. 66號, Section 2, Wenhua Rd, Chenggong Village, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 717015
22.935, 120.226
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWorld's largest violin collection, Apollo Fountain, historical arms and armor
Architectural styleNeoclassical with a central dome

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and the peak midday heat..

The Apollo Fountain plaza at the entrance, providing a full view of the museum's neoclassical facade.

Close by you'll find Ten Drum Cultural Village, Tainan Metropolitan Park, Barclay Memorial Park.