All of the following museums are on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line).
The MRT in Taipei is hands down the most convenient way to get around! For just 1 to 2 dollars, you can travel anywhere you want while escaping the intense sun. Download the MRT map and get ready to explore. If you arrive at the airport before it closes, don’t forget to pre-order your EasyCard and pick it up right there.
All the attractions in this article are on the same MRT line, so no need to worry about transfers.
Let’s get going!
1. National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院)
The National Palace Museum holds one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks, with nearly 700,000 pieces covering over 8,000 years of history. The collection includes exquisite jade, bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and historical documents.
Culture lovers will be fascinated by the depth and richness of Chinese history and art on display. Signature pieces, like the jadeite cabbage and the meat-shaped stone, are cultural icons and must-sees.
- Nearest MRT Station: Shilin Station (士林站) on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line).
- Exit: Exit 1. Then take Bus R30 to the entry of the museum.
2. Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館)
Opened in 1983, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is Taiwan’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The museum showcases a diverse array of works by Taiwanese and international artists, from traditional paintings and sculptures to avant-garde multimedia and installation art.
The museum is a hub for modern art enthusiasts, offering insights into Taiwan’s contemporary art scene and its interaction with global artistic movements. It’s a dynamic space with regularly changing exhibitions and events.
- Nearest MRT Station: Yuanshan Station (圓山站) on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line).
- Exit: Exit 1. The museum is a 5-minute walk from the station.
3. National Taiwan Museum (國立臺灣博物館)
Established in 1908, the National Taiwan Museum is Taiwan’s oldest museum. It focuses on the natural history, anthropology, and flora and fauna of Taiwan, providing an in-depth look into the island’s unique ecological and cultural heritage.
This museum is perfect for those interested in Taiwan’s natural environment and indigenous cultures. The building itself is a historical landmark, offering a blend of classical and baroque architectural styles.
- Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital Station (台大醫院站) on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line).
- Exit: Exit 4. The museum is a short walk from the station.
4. Land Bank Exhibition Hall of National Taiwan Museum (國立臺灣博物館 古生物館)
The Land Bank Exhibition Hall is part of the National Taiwan Museum and is located in a historic bank building. It focuses on paleontology, featuring displays of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and other prehistoric life forms.
This exhibition hall is a delight for anyone fascinated by the prehistoric era. The impressive displays of dinosaur skeletons and fossils provide a captivating journey into the distant past, complementing the broader cultural insights offered by the main museum.
- Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital Station (台大醫院站) on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line).
- Exit: Exit 4. It is directly across the street from the main National Taiwan Museum.