The museum building features classical European-style architecture, including an iconic portico with decorative columns.
It was formerly the office of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) line during the Japanese colonial period.
The structure survived extensive aerial bombardment during World War II, unlike many other colonial-era buildings in the district.
It is one of the few museums globally dedicated specifically to the corporate and cultural history of a national marine transport firm.
The interior retains original historical masonry and architectural details from the early 20th century.
The museum archive includes rare maps and ship logs detailing Pacific shipping lanes from the 1900s onwards.
The YM Oceanic Culture & Art Museum is housed within the historic 1915 Nippon Yusen Kaisha building, a designated heritage site in Keelung. Operated by the Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, the museum focuses on maritime history, shipping technology, and marine ecology. Exhibits span multiple floors, detailing the evolution of global trade routes and the technical mechanics of container shipping. Visitors can explore interactive displays that simulate bridge navigation and vessel operation. The facility serves as a testament to Keelung's long-standing status as a major international port city. Permanent galleries cover the history of ocean exploration and the influence of maritime commerce on Taiwanese industrial growth.
The museum's grand entrance stairs and the ornate neoclassical facade facing the harbor.
Visit the third-floor interactive zone first to ensure you have enough time for the hands-on navigation simulators.
Check the museum's rotating exhibition schedule online before arriving, as they frequently host temporary art installations alongside permanent maritime displays.
Do not mistake the museum for the cruise terminal check-in area, which is located in the adjacent building.
Closed on Mondays.
