Get ready for a cultural adventure! The annual International Museum Day is back, and on May 18, 2025, museums across Taiwan are opening their doors for free to celebrate this global event. From art galleries to historical exhibits, it’s the perfect chance to dive into Taiwan’s rich heritage—rain or shine!
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What’s International Museum Day All About? Since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has designated May 18 as International Museum Day to spotlight the importance of museums in preserving culture and history. For nearly half a century, this event has grown worldwide, with museums hosting special activities and free admissions. Since 1992, each year features a unique theme to inspire innovation and engagement. In Taiwan, the celebration has caught on, with many venues offering free entry on May 18 to encourage everyone to explore the nation’s stories and treasures.
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is joining the International Museum Day celebration—enjoy free admission on May 18! (Image Source: Travel.taipei )
2025 Theme: Museums for a Changing World According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, the 2025 theme is “Envisioning Museums’ Future in a Rapidly Changing Society.” This focus highlights museums’ roles not only as guardians of culture but also as dynamic spaces fostering social progress, public engagement, and adaptation to technological and environmental shifts.
Taoyuan Children’s Art Center: Spanning over 2,000 ping (approx. 66,000 sq. ft), the center’s unique hill-shaped architecture is a true eye-catcher. (Image Source: Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts)
50 Free Museums and Attractions Across Taiwan This year, 50 museums and cultural venues nationwide are joining the free admission festivities on May 18, 2025. From iconic hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone! Highlights include:
National Palace Museum (Taipei): A must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum : Perfect for soaking in contemporary creativity.
Taipei 518 Museum Festival: Discover Unique Free Events All Around Taipei.Official Link
Yingge Ceramics Museum (New Taipei): Explore Taiwan’s pottery heritage.
New Taipei City Art Museum : Newly opened in April 2025, it’s a fresh addition to the scene.
National Palace Museum Southern Branch (Chiayi): Stunning exhibits in a serene setting.
Taoyuan Children’s Art Center : A strikingly beautiful white building ideal for families.
Zhongli Light and Shadow Film Museum (Taoyuan): Free film screenings and exhibits.
Zhongtai World Museum (Nantou): A Buddhist art haven dubbed Taiwan’s “Louvre of Buddhist Museums,” with architecture inspired by Tang Dynasty Chang’an.
The exterior of the Chung Tai World Museum resembles the grandeur of Chang’an, the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty. Majestic and awe-inspiring, it is often referred to as the “Louvre of Buddhist museums in Taiwan.” (Image Source: Chung Tai World Museum )
Tainan Art Museum Building 2, with its striking all-white design, has become one of the most popular Instagram-worthy spots in downtown Tainan. (Image credit: Tainan Art Museum )
Full List of Free Attractions for International Museum Day 2025
City/County
Location
Free Admission Details
Taipei
National Museum of History
May 17–18, 2025
Taipei
National Taiwan Museum
May 17–18, 2025 (all four branches)
Taipei
Taipei Fine Arts Museum
May 10 & 18, 2025
Taipei
Puppetry Art Center of Taipei
May 18, 2025
Taipei
Postal Museum
May 18, 2025
Taipei
Evergreen Maritime Museum
May 18, 2025
Taipei
Fubon Art Museum
May 18, 2025
Taipei
National Palace Museum
May 18, 2025
Taipei
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Museum (Technology & Humanities)
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
Yingge Ceramics Museum
Now through June 30, 2025
New Taipei
Pinglin Tea Museum
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
Tamsui Historical Museum
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
New Taipei City Art Museum
Now through June 30, 2025
New Taipei
Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
Gold Museum
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
The Lin Family Mansion and Garden
May 18, 2025
New Taipei
JuMing Museum
May 18, 2025
Keelung
National Museum of Marine Science & Technology
May 17–18, 2025 (Collections Hall)
Keelung
YM Oceanic Culture & Art Museum
May 17–18, 2025
Yilan
Yilan Museum of Art
May 18, 2025
Yilan
Taiwan Bowl & Dish Museum
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Taoyuan Children’s Art Center
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Nankan Children’s Art Village
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Dayuan Jianshan Archaeological Exhibition Hall
May 18, 2025 (permanent exhibits)
Taoyuan
Zhongli Light and Shadow Film Museum
May 18, 2025 (exhibits & screenings)
Taoyuan
Taiwu New Village Cultural Park
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Guishan Military Village Story Hall
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Taoyuan 77 Art Town
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Xianguang 2nd Village Cultural Park
May 18, 2025
Taoyuan
Mazu New Village Cultural & Creative Park
May 18, 2025
Hsinchu
Hsinchu City Glass Museum
May 18, 2025
Miaoli
Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
May 18, 2025
Taichung
National Museum of Natural Science
May 18, 2025 (all affiliated venues)
Taichung
Postal Museum (Taichung Branch)
May 18, 2025
Nantou
Chung Tai World Museum
May 13–18, 2025 (6 days)
Nantou
Guangxing Paper Mill (Taiwan Handmade Paper Museum)
May 18, 2025
Chiayi
National Radio Museum
May 18, 2025
Chiayi
Xikou Hakka Culture Museum
May 18, 2025
Chiayi
Chiayi City Museum
May 18, 2025
Chiayi
Chiayi City Art Museum
May 18, 2025
Chiayi
National Palace Museum Southern Branch
May 18, 2025
Tainan
Tainan City Museum
May 17–18, 2025
Tainan
National Museum of Taiwan History
May 17–18, 2025
Tainan
Nanke Archaeological Museum
May 17–18, 2025
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
May 18, 2025
Pingtung
Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park
May 18, 2025
Pingtung
Pingtung King Boat Culture Museum
May 18, 2025
Pingtung
Pingyan 1936 Cultural Base
May 18, 2025
Hualien
Hualien Stone Sculpture Museum
May 17, 2025
Hualien
Hualien Archaeological Museum
May 18, 2025
Taitung
National Museum of Prehistory
May 17–18, 2025
5 Free Attractions on Taiwan’s Outlying Islands
Don’t miss these cultural gems if you’re visiting Taiwan’s beautiful islands:
No.
Island
Location
Free Admission Details
1
Penghu
Penghu Living Museum
May 17–18, 2025
2
Penghu
Penghu Pioneer Museum
May 17–18, 2025
3
Penghu
Penghu Marine Resources Museum
May 17–18, 2025
4
Penghu
Penghu Fossil Museum
May 17–18, 2025
5
Matsu
Matsu Folklore Museum
May 18, 2025
Plan your rainy May weekend with a cultural twist! Whether you’re in Taipei, Taoyuan, or the outlying islands, International Museum Day 2025 is your ticket to free, family-friendly fun. Check museum websites for hours and any reservation requirements, and get ready to explore Taiwan’s vibrant history and art!
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