Guide to Taipei Fine Arts Museum
If you’re anything like me and love spending time in art museums, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM) should be on your list when you’re visiting Taiwan. It’s not just a place to admire art but an experience that allows you to dive deep into Taiwan’s modern and contemporary art scene.
About the Taipei Fine Arts Museum
The Taipei Fine Arts Museum opened its doors in 1983. It was the first museum in Taiwan specifically built to showcase modern and contemporary art. The museum is in the Yuanshan District, next to the Keelung River. It’s an impressive building, designed by architect Kao Er-Pan, covering over 20,000 square meters. Its modernist design has hints of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture, with sleek corridors and arches that give it a unique look. The structure is actually inspired by the Chinese character for “well,” which symbolizes the museum as a source of cultural wealth and knowledge.
How to Get to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Getting to TFAM is really simple, especially if you’re already using Taipei’s MRT system. Here’s how we made our way there from our hotel (Greenworld Hotel):
- We started at Ximen Station (BL11) on the Blue Line (Bannan Line) and headed toward the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
- At Taipei Main Station (BL12), we switched to the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) toward Tamsui Station.
- We got off at Yuanshan Station (R14), which is just a 10-15 minute walk from the museum.
If you’re not close to a metro station, you can always hop on a bus or taxi. But honestly, the MRT system is easy to use and gets you where you need to go quickly.
Entering the Museum
Walking into the museum feels like stepping into a world of creativity. The lobby is bright and spacious, with a high ceiling that gives you a sense of openness as you look around. We grabbed our tickets—Audrey got in for free since she’s only five—and Dee left his backpack at the service center before we started exploring.
We kicked off our tour in the basement, where the Children’s Art Education Center is located. If you’re traveling with kids, this area is a goldmine. It is a “museum within a museum,” designed to get young minds engaged with art. During our visit, the theme was “The Art Explorer: Who’s in the Landscape?” Audrey loved the hands-on displays, especially one called “Catch Up,” where she could play with shadows by moving her hands. There was also a play area that kept her entertained.
Before we left the basement, I couldn’t resist stopping by the bookstore to pick up some postcards.
The Third Floor – Thematic Exhibitions
Next, we headed to the third floor, where galleries 3A, 3B, and 3C house thematic exhibits. These galleries are arranged in a double-cross layout, and natural light streams in from the windows, making the space feel open and airy.
During our visit, there were two standout exhibitions:
Between II – Xu Ruixian Solo Exhibition
This installation hit me hard. It was inspired by the war in Ukraine and featured 100 strollers as the main visual element. Each stroller had a different sound or message—some played music, others broadcast war sounds or children’s cries. It was a haunting yet moving way to reflect on the human cost of conflict.
Fake Landscape – Chen Yishu Solo Exhibition
Chen Yishu’s “Fake Landscape” exhibition played with the idea of reality versus illusion. He drew inspiration from Taihu rock formations and created surreal interpretations that challenged viewers to think about the line between the real and the imagined. What really made this exhibit stand out was how Chen incorporated modern issues, like the Ukraine-Russia war, into his landscape art. He used abstract shapes and colors to explore borders and boundaries, turning something as simple as a rock formation into a political statement.
The Second Floor – Permanent Collections
On the second floor, we found galleries filled with works from the museum’s permanent collection. These galleries provide a look at how art has evolved in Taiwan over the years, showcasing everything from early modern works to more recent contemporary pieces. It’s a quieter space compared to the busier thematic exhibitions upstairs, but it’s just as thought-provoking.
The art on this floor is arranged by theme or era, allowing you to trace the development of Taiwanese art and its place in global art movements. I found myself getting lost in the details of the works here, each piece telling its own story.
The First Floor – William Kentridge Installation
The first floor has some of the museum’s most eye-catching exhibits, including the William Kentridge installation. This exhibition, co-organized with the Royal Academy of Arts in London, focuses on Kentridge’s charcoal sketches and stop-motion animations. It’s fascinating to see how he weaves humor and poetry into his works, even when dealing with heavy subjects like apartheid and colonialism.
As an art lover, I found it inspiring to see Kentridge’s evolution as an artist, from his early sketches to his larger, more complex multimedia projects. If you’re into animation or experimental art, this exhibition is a must-see.
Art for All Ages
After exploring the galleries, be sure to spend some time in the museum’s central atrium. It’s flooded with natural light, making it an ideal space to relax. During our visit, we saw young artists sketching in the atrium—something TFAM encourages, especially in this bright, open space.
Whether you’re here to admire contemporary art or learn more about Taiwan’s cultural history, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is more than just a place to see art—it’s a place to experience it. I left feeling inspired, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to visit again.
Whether you’re here to admire contemporary art or learn more about Taiwan’s cultural history, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is more than just a place to see art—it’s a place to experience it. I left feeling inspired, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to visit again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the Taipei Fine Arts Museum kid-friendly? Absolutely! The Children’s Art Education Center is designed with kids in mind, offering interactive displays and creative learning programs.
- How long should I plan to spend at the museum? A good 2-3 hours should give you enough time to explore the main galleries and enjoy the exhibits without rushing.
- Can I take photos inside the museum? Photography is allowed in most areas, but some exhibits might have restrictions. Always check for signs or ask the staff.
- Are there any places to eat nearby? The museum itself has a café at the basement and Cafe Acme right beside the museum. There are also plenty of restaurants around the Taipei Expo Park, perfect for grabbing a meal after your visit.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Address: No. 181, Sec. 3, Zhongshan N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104227, Taiwan
Hours:
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: TWD 30
- Discounted Admission: TWD 15 (for children aged 6-12, students over 12, and Taipei residents)
- Free Admission: Children under 6, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and various other groups. (Check the museum’s website for the full list of free admission categories.)
For more details on admission rates, you can check out the museum’s website.
Did you like this blog?
Follow me on Instagram , Facebook, and Tiktok to be updated on my latest posts.
Work with me?
I love collaborations and I enjoy working with various brands. See my portfolio here
You May Also Like
Makati Marvels: Top 43 Cafes You Must Visit in Metro Manila’s Business Hub
Review: Ariel Power Gel Soft Gentle
