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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Chimei Museum

Chimei Museum is situated in Tainan, a city in southern Taiwan. It boasts a collection of Western artworks, musical instruments, taxidermy, artifacts, and paintings from different parts of the world.

The museum was established by Shi Wen-long in 1992 and was housed in the administration block of the Chi Mei Corporation before it moved to its current location.

The museum address is No. 66, Section 2, Wenhua Rd, Rende District, Tainan in Taiwan. It is open to the public every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, except on Wednesdays.

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Chimei Museum.

1. Chimei Museum is Private

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Chimei Museum was established in 1992 by Shi Wen-long, one of the wealthiest businessmen in Taiwan and the founder of Chi Mei Corporation.

Shi Wen-long was born and raised in an impoverished family of 10 siblings during World War II.  At a young age, he spent most of his time visiting a local museum in Tainan, the only entertainment he could afford because it was free.

His early age experience in the local museum inspired him to build a private museum for the people of his community.

2. Chimei Museum has the Biggest collection of violins in the World

Chimei museum collects musical instruments of historical value. The museum houses over 1300 violins, the single biggest collection anywhere around the globe.

One of the most impressive pieces of the collection is the “ole bull” violin,  made by the 18th-century famous artisan Guarneri del Gesù in 1774.

Shi Wen-long said that he fashioned his violin and taught himself how to play because his family was poor and could not afford to buy a violin.

3. Chimei Museum Loans out Music Instruments

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Another interesting fact about the  Chimei museum is that it gives instruments out on loan to needy students and musicians.

The museum has more than 220 violins on loan to students and violinists, who are only required to pay for the insurance of the instruments.

In 2015, Yu-Chien Tseng won the silver prize at the 15th International Tchaikovsky Competition using a borrowed violin from the museum.

The museum has fulfilled Shi Wen-long’s mission of helping poor students and young artists to fulfill their dreams in performing arts. 

4. Chimei Museum Provides easy access to Western Art and Culture

Chimei Museum is a place for art lovers, it was established to provide locals with easy access to Western arts and culture. it boasts a comprehensive collection of Western artworks, musical instruments, and paintings.

The museum’s founder grew up disadvantaged in life and wants to ensure that local children can be inspired by global culture even if their families do not have the resources to travel around the world.

The museum has a collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 20th century, presenting the development of western art.

5. Chimei Museum Exhibits Famous Drawings and the Paintings

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Apart from the impressive musical instruments collection that makes the Chimei Museum widely recognized, it also exhibits drawings and paintings of re-known artists from the past centuries.

They consist of “The Madonna of Humility” a 14th-century painting by Paolo De Giovanni Fei. “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” is a 16th-century painting by Lucas Cranach the Younger. “Charity” a 19th-century painting by Friedrich von Amerling, is also on display.

6. Chimei Museum Exhibits Historical weaponry

Another major feature of the Museum is a full section of the Arms and Armour exhibition. It has war items from every part of Asia and Europe.

 One of the most advanced examples of military technology exhibited is an ancient crossbow from China. It could fire up to three bolts at a time and up to 30 bolts before needing a reload.

There is also a display of bronze daggers that were forged over 3,000 years ago during the Zhou Dynasty. The most modern exhibits are seven machetes made by Taiwanese indigenous people in the mid-20^th century.

7. Chimei Museum has free entry for the Residents and Children

Shi Wen-long spent his free time as a child visiting a local museum in Tainan, the only place he could afford to because it was free.

He established the Chimei museum to ensure that local children have free access to the museum. It helps them to learn about different cultures from other people around the world. 

 There are entrance fees for tourists and non-residents, but for Tainan residents and children under 6 years, the entrance is free.

8. How to get to Chimei Museum

Chimei Museum is located in Tainan, a major city on the island of Taiwan. The city has a well-developed transport system, which makes it easier for visitors to access the city and the museum.

Those driving from the north can take both freeways, and then head west along Expressway 86.  The exit to the museum is labeled “Tainan.”

The museum is about 700 meters from the TRA Railway Station, which is served by commuter trains linking Tainan and Kaohsiung.  From the bullet-train station, one can also take HSR Shuttle Bus or hail a taxi to the museum.

9. Other Things to do Near Chimei Museum

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Apart from Chimei Museum, Tainan offers a unique glimpse into bygone days, With numerous historical sites dotted across the city that dates back to the 16th century.

These sites include Anping Old Street, City God temple, Confucious Temple, Chuan Mei Theatre, and National Museum of Taiwan history among others.

One can also visit one of the restaurants near the museum to have a taste of local Taiwanese delicacy and cuisine. Wusheng night market is another popular feature among the city residents, which offers the excitement of night shopping and late-night fun.

10. Where to Stay Near Chimei Museum

Tainan offers different rage of accommodations that fits all types of visitors. There are hotels, hostels, guest houses, and lodgings, all within a short distance of the museum.

Some of the hotels nearby are Yin Chui Han motel, H Villa, Dongyizhan, and WSB motel-Rende among others. It is advisable to check for room availability well in advance.