The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts sits in Neiweipi Cultural Park in Gushan District, on land that was once a wetland of irrigation ponds. Its galleries spread over four floors plus a basement, and each floor shows a different style, from calligraphy and painting to sculpture and mixed media. Outside, the Sculpture Park and Echo Park hold open-air installations and green space, a calm start or end to the visit. Plan two to three hours inside, and choose a weekday if you want fewer people around.
From wetland to museum
The museum stands on a site that was once a large wetland with irrigation ponds, known in Chinese as Pitang. Southern Taiwan's first public fine arts museum opened here in June 1994, and the site grew into the region's main hub for modern art and culture.
The Kaohsiung City Government founded the museum. Since 2003, it has been run by the Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs. It is the third public fine arts museum in Taiwan, after the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
Inside the galleries
The galleries fill four floors and a basement level. Each floor presents a different style of art, so a visit moves from one kind of work to another. The collection includes a long-term display of calligraphy by well-known calligraphers, and international contemporary art is shown regularly.
The museum features Taiwanese and Asian artists, and artists from southern Taiwan and Indigenous communities appear often in its exhibitions. A sculpture room rises four floors high and is lit by a skylight, so large works can be seen from more than one level.
Special exhibitions rotate through the year. Check the museum's website before your visit to see what is on.
The surrounding park
The museum is part of Neiweipi Cultural Park, a site of about 40 hectares. Outdoor installations are scattered across the grounds, including the Sculpture Park and Echo Park.
Other areas in the park include the Ecology Park and the Austronesian Cultural Area. The Children's Art Museum, which opened in 2005 and focuses on child art education and hands-on learning, is also here, making the park a practical choice for families.
The trees and open ground make a good place to walk between galleries.
Getting there and getting around
The closest metro stop is Aozihdi Station on the Red Line, about four blocks from the museum. You can also reach it by light rail at station C21. Bus 35 runs from Aozihdi Station.
The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The museum has a changing table for families.
On site, there is a restaurant and a café that serves tea in a relaxed setting. The museum also hosts live performances and private events.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, admission is charged. Reported prices have differed, so check the museum's website for the current fee before you go.
How long do you need at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts?
Plan two to three hours for the galleries. Allow more time if you also want to walk the outdoor sculpture parks.
How do I get to the museum?
Take the Red Line to Aozihdi Station, about four blocks away. You can also take light rail to station C21, or Bus 35 from Aozihdi Station.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
The museum recommends getting tickets in advance.
Is the museum suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes. The museum is good for kids and has a changing table. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
