Billion-dollar aquarium to be built — groundbreaking ceremony held for National Museum of Marine Science and Technology's Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall on the 8th

▲ Groundbreaking ceremony for the Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall of the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology held on the 8th. (Photo / Provided by the Museum of Marine Science and Technology, all following images the same)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is the largest museum in Taiwan dedicated exclusively to marine science and technology education. On the 8th, construction began on its Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall (aquarium), which is being designed by the British firm Foster + Partners. The project aims to create a new global landmark and Asia’s premier marine exhibition aquarium.

Chen Ching-nan, chairman of the Kylin Group and Kylin Corporation, stated that the Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall will cost over NT$1 billion, with the British design firm Foster + Partners specifically invited to design the venue. The massive aquarium tanks aim to create an experience that showcases the vastness, depth, mystery, and biodiversity of the ocean. It is expected that more than 50%, or up to 300 species, of Taiwan’s marine life will be on display.

The British firm Foster + Partners has architectural projects around the world, including Beijing Capital International Airport, The Gherkin in London, and the atrium renovation of the British Museum, all of which were designed by the company. With an internationally renowned architect designing the Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall, the aquarium is poised to become a one-of-a-kind facility globally and a representative landmark in northern Taiwan.

▲ Conceptual illustration of the fish tank display space inside the Ocean Ecology Exhibition Hall.

▲ Conceptual illustration of the restaurant area next to the fish tanks on the second floor.

▲ Conceptual illustration of the backstage visiting space on the third floor.