🎨 Chimei Museum — Tainan’s Grand Showcase of Beauty & Diversity

#hellohalloween Background Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) is a private museum founded in 1992 by businessman and art patron Shi Wen-long of the Chi Mei Corporation.  Originally it was housed in a corporate building, but in 2014 it moved to a new purpose-built site in the Tainan Metropolitan Park, reopening in 2015.  The current complex occupies ~9.5 hectares, with European-style architecture: grand columns, domes, a major entrance plaza with the Fountain of Apollo (a replica of the Versailles original), a bridge lined with statues of Greek gods, landscaped gardens and reflecting ponds.  Its collection spans thousands of items divided into several categories: Western fine arts (paintings & sculptures from 13th-20th century), musical instruments, natural history & fossils, arms & armour, and decorative arts. It’s especially famous for holding one of the world’s largest violin collections.  Why It’s Worth Visiting • The range of collections means there’s something for many interests: if you love art, musical instruments, historical weapons, nature, or even quirky exhibits, Chimei covers them well. The violin collection, in particular, is a rare opportunity to see fine instruments (some centuries old) in good condition.  • The architecture and grounds are memorable. Walking through the entrance plaza, crossing the Olympus Bridge, viewing the fountain, then exploring halls with high ceilings and large windows makes for an immersive visual experience. It’s not just inside-museum exhibits, but the environment surrounding it that elevates the visit.  • It’s well-set up for visitors: the museum is open daily except Wednesdays, with hours generally from 9:30 to 17:30. Tickets have tiered pricing (students, seniors, etc.), free admission for young children, and Tainan city residents.  Also, transport access is good: nearest major train station is Bao’an, plus public buses, parking, etc.  My Impression Visiting Chimei feels like being invited into a generous celebration of artistry and nature. There’s a grandeur to the building that reminds you of classical European palaces, yet inside the exhibits are not aloof—they’re engaging, varied, and crafted for curiosity. I especially enjoyed the Rodin-style sculptures, the violin displays (including seeing how instruments are built and cared for), and how the light plays through large windows onto sculptures or paintings. The gardens and exterior architecture are just as worthy of photos; the Fountain of Apollo, bridge, and lawn give you those moments of pause. If I had to pick one lasting memory, it’s early morning light across the pond with the main façade in view, calm and majestic.