In the heart of Taiwan’s southern province of Tainan, the Chimei Museum stands as a testament to philanthropy and cultural enrichment. Established in 1992 by Shi Wen-long, a self-made businessman and founder of Chi Mei Corporation, the museum has evolved into a captivating space that transcends conventional art appreciation. Nestled in Tainan Metropolitan Park since its relocation in 2014, the museum is characterized by its commitment to accessibility, housing an extensive collection that spans Western arts, natural history, arms and armors, antiquities, artifacts, and, notably, the world’s largest and most comprehensive violin collection.
Dai-Ting Chung, the senior consultant for the Chimei Museum’s violins collection, proudly showcases the treasures within the museum’s heavily secured vault. Among the remarkable exhibits is a violin crafted in 1705 by Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano. Cristofori’s violin is a rare find, one of only three string instruments made by him left in the world. The collection, comprising 1,376 string instruments, reflects years of dedicated efforts, with Chung, a skilled violin maker, playing a key role in bringing these treasures to the museum.
The Chimei Museum is not merely a private collection for the elite; it epitomizes Shi Wen-long’s vision of creating a museum for everyone. Born into a poor family during wartime, Shi’s childhood escape was a local museum in Tainan. His dream was to build a museum that would be accessible to all, especially those who couldn’t travel abroad to experience world-class museums. The museum charges a nominal fee for entry but is free for Tainan residents and students, ensuring that even farmers working in nearby fields can visit regularly.
The museum’s vast collection, currently exhibiting around one-third of its holdings, spans various genres and reflects Shi’s inclusive approach. The Fine Arts Hall, resembling a European palace, showcases famous portrayals of Madonna and child, offering a densely packed exhibition compared to traditional art museums. Noteworthy displays include El Greco’s “Saint Martin and the Beggar” and Antoine-Louis Barye’s “Theseus Fighting the Centaur Bianor,” alongside an extensive collection of arms and armor.
However, the museum’s most spectacular showcase remains its musical instrument collection, particularly its exceptional violin holdings. Shi, an ardent violinist himself, established a business during wartime extracting scrap metal from abandoned battleships and fighter jets to make violin strings. The Chimei Museum is now home to the world’s oldest playable cello, dating back to 1566, by renowned luthier Andrea Amati. Additionally, valuable works by the Stradivari and Guarneri families, including Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù’s “Ole Bull,” grace the museum’s collection.
The museum has become a hub for violin conferences, attracting violin makers and enthusiasts globally. It serves as a history keeper, offering a platform for violin makers to study over 100 different violins at once. With an extensive database considered the most comprehensive globally, the Chimei Museum aids researchers, publishers, and enthusiasts seeking information about these historical instruments.
Beyond its role as a museum, Chimei actively supports local talent through initiatives like the Chimei Arts Award. The museum lends around 200 free violins to students and musicians, fostering talent and ensuring that these instruments are heard and appreciated. Notable musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, have benefited from the museum’s support.
As Dai-Ting Chung reflects on his role as a keeper of history, surrounded by centuries-old violins, he acknowledges the museum’s position as a violin dreamland. The stress of being a mere passerby in the mighty current of history is palpable, emphasizing the museum’s role not just as a repository of cultural artifacts but as a dynamic force shaping the narrative of classical music and art for generations to come.