The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is a marine science museum in Badouzi, Keelung, built inside the converted shell of the former North Thermal Power Plant. The plant was constructed in 1937, began operating in 1939, and was decommissioned around the 1980s; the government approved the Badouzi site for the museum in 1989, and after more than two decades of phased construction, its main themed galleries were completed and opened at the end of 2013. The museum houses multiple permanent galleries covering marine ecology, ocean energy, and underwater technology, and is the main indoor exhibition venue on Keelung's north coast.
The North Thermal Power Plant was built by Taiwan Electric Power Co. in 1937, started operating in 1939, and was decommissioned around the 1980s; the Executive Yuan approved the Badouzi site for the museum in September 1989, its preparatory office was established in 1990, phased openings began in June 2012, and the main themed galleries held their opening ceremony on December 30, 2013.
What to See at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology
The building itself carries its own layer of history: the decommissioned power plant was transformed into the museum's main space, with certain industrial structures deliberately preserved — creating an environment where industrial heritage and contemporary exhibition coexist. The museum is positioned as a marine science education venue; its permanent galleries cover marine ecology, ocean resources, tidal systems, and marine technology, with exhibits designed to include hands-on interactive elements.
The primary audience inside is families and students, and a significant proportion of the display design involves interactive installations. The biological exhibits depicting underwater worlds and simulated marine environments are common stopping points. Chaoching Park is directly adjacent to the museum; its outdoor natural setting and the museum's indoor science exhibitions can be combined into a complete marine-themed day out.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Take a bus heading toward the museum; check the Keelung City Bus Information System for routes and schedules.
- The museum charges admission. Opening hours and ticket prices are set by the official website; some galleries may carry an additional fee.
Nearby Connections
- Chaoching Park is directly next door — visit the museum and then head to the coastal park to round out a north coast day trip.
- Badouzi Fishing Harbor and Wangyou Valley are reachable on foot or by bicycle, making a north coast half-day or full-day loop possible.
Source: compiled from National Museum of Marine Science and Technology public information and public records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the museum building originally used for?
It was originally the North Thermal Power Plant, built during the Japanese colonial era and operational from 1939 until it was decommissioned around the 1980s.
When was the museum fully completed?
Phased openings began in June 2012, and the main themed galleries held their official opening ceremony on December 30, 2013.
What are the museum's main exhibition themes?
Permanent galleries cover marine ecology, ocean resources, tidal systems, and marine technology, with a strong emphasis on interactive exhibits for families and students.
Sources
- 國立海洋科技博物館-北部火力發電廠 — 官方頁面，發電廠興建與停用沿革
- 國立海洋科技博物館 - 維基百科 — 籌備與分期開館年份