The Keelung National Museum of Marine Science and Technology officially opens on the 26th as trains run along the Taiwan Railways’ Shen’ao Line

▲ The interior of the Keelung Maritime Science Museum largely preserves the look of the former North Thermal Power Plant, while its exterior is designed to resemble a ship, blending modernity with echoes of the past to become a new highlight of Keelung. (Photo / Courtesy of the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology official website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After a long 24-year wait from planning to completion, the Keelung National Museum of Marine Science and Technology will finally open its doors on the 26th. On the day of its trial opening, the museum—rebuilt from the old North Thermal Power Plant—attracted visitors, including former employees who couldn’t hold back their tears: “We’ve finally waited for this day!”

The museum was formerly the site of the now-defunct Taiwan Power Company’s North Thermal Power Plant, once the largest thermal power plant in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. Construction began in 1990 and was completed in 2013, spanning 24 years—likely making it the longest-built museum in Taiwan.

Wu Chun-jen, the preparatory director of the museum, said that the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is one of only two museums in the world built from a former power plant. The theme pavilion retains much of the original power plant’s appearance, such as its steel-reinforced concrete structures and coal unloading troughs. The old boiler room has been transformed into the entrance hall, where stepping inside evokes memories of the hard work done by former employees. During the trial opening period, some female visitors mentioned that they had known about the plan to build the marine science museum in Keelung since childhood, but only got to see it completed after getting married.

Coupled with the reopening of the Taiwan Railways’ Shen’ao Line, known as “Taiwan’s most beautiful railway branch line,” the Keelung National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is also the only museum in the country with its own train platform, accessible directly via the Shen’ao Line. Combined with nearby natural attractions such as Bataozi Jiaojing Park and its scenic mountain and coastal views, it becomes the world’s only museum integrating marine science, technology, ecology, culture, and local environmental displays, catering to diverse learning fields.

%Ji? “Shuo Fen Ying Ben Che? Yi Cang Zai? Pian? You Ye Zai? Can Guan Duan? Song” (Photo / Courtesy of the International Marine Science and Technology Museum fan page)

There are two more days left in the trial opening period of the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, ending on the 19th. Keelung residents can enter for free upon presenting ID, while visitors from other counties can enjoy a discounted rate of 100 NTD. After the official opening of the theme pavilion on the 26th, prices will return to normal, though Keelung residents can still enjoy ticket discounts every Monday.

[National Museum of Marine Science and Technology] Official Website

[National Museum of Marine Science and Technology] Facebook Fan Page