Yangming Marine Cultural and Art Museum Introduction
The Yangming Marine Cultural and Art Museum was originally completed on May 4, 1915, and was owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha. After the retrocession of Taiwan, it was taken over by the China Merchants Group and has been operated by Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation to this day. The original building consisted of two symmetrical "eclectic-style" structures with historical significance, serving as an important building on the west coast pier of Keelung during the Japanese colonial period. It holds special symbolic meaning regarding Keelung's shipping status. After enduring the flames of World War II and the passage of time, the Yangming Marine Cultural and Art Museum now only retains traces of its former appearance from the exterior façade and the retro elegant arched colonnade, reflecting the old style of the Japanese colonial era. Currently, the Yangming Marine Cultural and Art Museum is listed by the Keelung City Government as one of the top ten historical buildings in Keelung, having special significance in tracing the development context of Keelung. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation began planning its renovation in 2003, revitalizing the historical building for modern use, integrating marine culture with human civilization's diverse aspects, including history, geography, art, and crafts. The museum offers interactive maritime exhibitions and convenient volunteer-guided tours, showcasing related artifacts and artworks that fully demonstrate historical and tourist value, providing the public with an exploration of Taiwan's local maritime culture.
