White Palace: A Gentle Pride of Taiwan

Stepping into the Chimei Museum feels like entering a dream. It's not because of its grandeur or resemblance to European palaces, but because you can truly sense one man's dedication and generosity towards art within its walls. This is not a national museum, but the result of decades of passion and belief from an entrepreneur who collected, curated, and ultimately shared his treasures with the public for free. I've visited multiple times, and each visit brings new inspiration. 🏛️ About Chimei: From Private Collection to Public Museum Founded by entrepreneur Mr. Wen-Long Hsu, the Chimei Museum officially opened in 2015. Its neoclassical architecture draws inspiration from the U.S. Library of Congress and European museum designs. From afar, the white palace, domed roof, and Apollo Fountain Bridge spanning the lake might make you think you're in Europe—but this gem is actually located in Tainan. The museum's collections are divided into five main categories: Art, Musical Instruments, Arms and Armor, Natural History, and Animal Specimens. Highlights include Italian Renaissance oil paintings, ancient samurai swords, the world's most comprehensive violin collection (over 1,300 violins), and even polar bear and rare bird specimens from Antarctic expeditions. 🎨 Exhibition Highlights and Experiences 🖼 Art Gallery: Admire Western classical oil paintings, sculptures, and Rodin's masterpiece "The Thinker." 🎻 Musical Instrument Gallery: Home to the world's largest collection of famous instruments, including Stradivari violins, antique pianos, and harpsichords. ⚔️ Arms and Armor Gallery: Showcasing centuries of military artifacts from East and West, including samurai armor and knight's suits. 🦁 Natural History Gallery: A favorite for kids, featuring real animal specimens and fossil displays that are both educational and entertaining. 💎 Special Exhibitions: Collaborations with world-renowned museums for temporary exhibits (e.g., Louvre treasures, Japanese ukiyo-e). The museum emphasizes "immersive experiences," offering guided tours, interactive displays, and hands-on activities in every gallery—perfect for families exploring the joy of learning together. 📷 Instagram-Worthy Spots at Chimei Museum: 📸 Apollo Fountain: European-style sculptures reflected on the lake, creating a cinematic scene. 📸 Museum Entrance with Dome and Colonnade: Perfect for wedding photos and portraits with a temple-like ambiance. 📸 Lawn and Long Corridor: Ideal for picnics and family photos under the afternoon sun. 📸 Nighttime Lighting: The palace looks even more magical at night, like stepping into a European dream. Don't forget to bring headphones for the free audio guide or rent a device for a deeper appreciation of the exhibits. 📍【Chimei Museum Info】 Location: No. 66, Sec. 2, Wenhua Rd., Rende Dist., Tainan City Opening Hours: 09:30–17:30 (Closed Wednesdays) Tickets: General admission NT$200; special exhibitions priced separately Reservation: Online booking required; advance ticket purchase recommended Nearby Attractions: Ten Drum Culture Village, Tainan Metropolitan Park, Bao'an Railway Station Recommended Visit Duration: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours 💭 "A museum can transcend borders; it only needs passion." This is my deepest impression of the Chimei Museum. It's not about the value of its collections but the sincerity behind its love for beauty, knowledge, and sharing. Here, you'll discover: "Art can be so accessible, and knowledge can be so welcoming." Chimei is more than just a museum; it's a source of pride for Taiwan and the most beautiful cultural treasure in southern Taiwan.