Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is a museum in Taibao City, Chiayi County, that began trial operations on December 28, 2015. Designed by architect Kris Yao, the complex covers roughly 70 hectares — 20 hectares of museum buildings and 50 hectares of grounds — with a collection focused on artifacts from India, the Islamic world, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, making it one of the largest world-class museums in southern Taiwan.
The Southern Branch opened for trial operations in Taibao City, Chiayi County, on December 28, 2015, on a roughly 70-hectare site (20 hectares of museum buildings, 50 hectares of grounds) designed by architect Kris Yao. The winning design from the original 2004 international competition, by American architect Antoine Predock, was ultimately not built; Yao's firm designed the building that was eventually constructed.
Highlights of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
The museum building was designed by the architectural firm Kris Yao | Artech, drawing on the concepts of "mountain" and "water" to echo Taiwan's landscape. The water mirror gallery reflects the surrounding scenery on its surface, with light and shadow shifting richly on clear days — the most photographically compelling outdoor space on the museum grounds. The lotus pond and surrounding landscape walkways invite a leisurely outdoor stroll after browsing the galleries; the complex is expansive, so allow plenty of time.
The collection focuses on the culturally diverse Asian artifacts that the main branch in Taipei rarely displays, including Buddhist art from the Indian subcontinent, Islamic geometric craftsmanship, Southeast Asian religious sculpture, and East Asian lacquerware and ceramics. Regular special exhibitions take cross-cultural exchange as their theme, bringing in international collaborative shows and offering visitors in Taiwan a rare window onto Asian civilization — ideal for those with an interest in antiquities and world history.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Located on National Palace Museum Avenue in Taibao City; by car, exit Freeway 1 at the Shuishang interchange and follow the signs. Shuttle buses from Chiayi city are also available — check the official website for schedules.
- Open Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday (adjusted on public holidays). Admission fees and opening hours follow official announcements.
Nearby Connections
- The HSR Chiayi Station is about a 20-minute drive away, making this a convenient stop for travelers passing through on the high-speed rail.
- Chiayi city attractions such as Chiayi Park and the Chiayi City Art Museum are roughly 20–30 minutes away by car, enabling a full-day Chiayi cultural route.
Source: Official information from the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum and publicly available architectural records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum open?
It began trial operations in Taibao City, Chiayi County, on December 28, 2015.
Who designed the Southern Branch building?
The building that was actually constructed was designed by architect Kris Yao; the original 2004 international competition was actually won by American architect Antoine Predock, whose design was never built.
How large is the Southern Branch site?
The complex covers about 70 hectares in total — 20 hectares of museum buildings and 50 hectares of surrounding grounds.
What does the Southern Branch's collection focus on?
It focuses on culturally diverse Asian artifacts rarely shown at the main Taipei branch, including Indian, Islamic, Southeast Asian, and East Asian religious art, ceramics, and textiles.
Sources
- 故宮南院簡介－國立故宮博物院南部院區官網 — 開館日期、面積、建築師
- 國立故宮博物院南部院區－維基百科 — 2004年競圖與建築師更替歷史