Chi Mei Museum
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The Chi Mei Museum (Chinese: 奇美博物館; pinyin: Qíměi Bówùguǎn) is the private museum of the Chi Mei Corporation in Rende District, Tainan, Taiwan. The collection is divided into five categories: Western Art (including painting, sculpture, decorative arts and period furniture); Musical instruments; Natural history; Arms and armor; Antiquities and artifacts. (Another collection to demonstrate the progress of technology is being formed and designed by experts, with assistance from many famous science museums.)
Founder
Shi Wen-long (許文龍) set up the Chi Mei Museum, because he wanted to complete his childhood dream. He is known for his collection of antique violins — Stradivarius, Guarneri del Gesù and Nicolo Amati. He is not only good at managing the company but also at playing the violin. He had performed publicly many times. Because he loves music so much and wants to improve the level of classical music in Taiwan, he founded the Chi Mei Cultural Foundation and provides a scholarship for developing artists.
About the Chi Mei Museum
Established in 1997,[1] the museum is open to the public and has several exhibition areas, including art, natural history, historic weapons, musical instruments, ancient objects, sculptures and industrial techniques. The museum has a collection of European paintings in the 18th and 19th century, presenting the development of western art. The historic weapon exhibition presents weapons from prehistoric time, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age to modern times. The two canons in front of the museum were designed and built in 1689. They were taken away by foreigners in the 19th century until Chi Mei Culture Foundation purchased them in 1994. The museum also collects valuable violins, including 5 Antonio Stradivaris, 2 Guarneri del Gesu, Nicolo Amati, Jacob Stainer, Amati, Rogeri, Joseph Guarneri Filius Andrea, Seraphin, Gagliano and Guadagnini. Besides these, the Chi Mei Museum also owns a private symphony orchestra named the Chimei Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 2003. The Chi Mei Museum loans the antiques instruments to distinguished musicians, such as Yo-yo Ma, free of charge. It is a strong commitment of this Foundation that good instruments be played by good players and the good music thus produced be shared by all mankind "-Mr. Wen-long Shi, President, Chi Mei Culture Foundation.
The Chi Mei Culture Foundation was established over 20 years ago, and the wealth of the collection encompasses different eras and geographical areas. At present, experts recognize the Chi Mei Museum as one of the most prestigious private collections in the world. Forbes magazine, in its February 1996 article on private collectors in Asia, called Chi-Mei Museum "one of the world's most surprising art collections." The museum is open to the public, free of charge.[2]
Artworks
- The Madonna of Humility[3]
- Faites Venir à moi les enfants[3]
- Saint Martin et le Mendiant- Lucas Cranach the Younger (German, 1515–1586)
- Charity- Jacques Blanchard- El Greco (Spanish, 1540/50-1614)
- The Last Tears-Narcisse-Virgilio Diaz de Pena (France, 1807–1876)[3]
- La Charité-Unknown (Ecole Austro-Hongroise 19th Century)
- La Bénédiction des blés (France 1806-1927)[3]
Reproductions from the museum
The Chi Mei Museum has offered reproductions such as canvas posters, simulating sculptures made from bonded marble powder, stationery items and many classic CD recordings performed by top Taiwanese musicians on the rare instruments from the Chi Mei Collection since 1997. The Chi Mei Museum has also published the hardcover book "Chi-Mei Collection of Fine Violins" featuring 15 world famous string instruments made by the Italian violin makers of the 17th century.[4] Through the Shining Collection in New York, one can inquire about and purchase these reproductions.
Location
The museum address is： No. 59-1, San Chia Tsun, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan.
Transportation
The museum is accessible within walking distance South East from Bao'an Station of the Taiwan Railway Administration.
See also
References
External links
Coordinates: 22°55′36″N 120°14′37″E / 22.92667°N 120.24361°E