By MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Compiled Report
The Taichung Marine Ecology Museum held its topping-out ceremony on May 16. The entire building features an exterior inspired by rocks from the Dajia River, integrating the imagery of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and concepts of conservation and rehabilitation. The museum will house a large ocean tank with a depth of 9 meters and a water capacity of 700 metric tons, showcasing Taiwan’s most diverse collection of jellyfish as well as local marine flora and fauna. Mayor Lin Chia-lung stated that in addition to its ecological education role, the museum will also feature restaurants and open-air cafes, offering stunning views of the beautiful Taiwan Strait. Combined with nearby attractions such as the Seaside Twin Stars and Mitsui Outlet Park, it will showcase the beauty of Taichung to the world.
The Taichung Marine Ecology Museum is expected to be completed and open to the public in March 2018. (Image source: Taichung City Government)
The entrance hall will also feature a jellyfish aquarium spanning 12 meters in width and 9 meters in depth, displaying Taiwan’s richest variety of jellyfish and native marine life. In addition, the museum will incorporate elements of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, with dedicated exhibition areas for dolphin specimens, precious images, and informational displays, combining leisure, tourism, and environmental education.
The Taichung City Government is actively developing the Seaside Twin Stars project (including the Wuci Fishing Port and Gaomei Wetlands), successfully attracting Mitsui Outlet Park, planning the Da’an Mazu Cultural Park, and striving to establish a Taipower electricity museum. Once the Marine Ecology Museum is completed, it will further boost seaside tourism, showcasing the beauty of Taichung to the world.
The Marine Ecology Museum is located within the Taichung Harbor area. After construction began on December 26, 2014, controversy arose due to the lack of live animal exhibits. Following a city government review and adjustments, the venue area was expanded from the originally planned 6,600 square meters to 12,000 square meters. The entrance hall will feature a 12-meter-wide, 9-meter-deep jellyfish aquarium with a water capacity of 700 tons, showcasing marine life from Taiwan’s coastal and central regions.
Additionally, a large landscape restaurant will be built on the 4th floor, while the 5th floor will feature a rooftop café offering sweeping views of the beautiful Taiwan Strait. The museum will also include a dedicated area for the display and promotion of knowledge and materials related to the conservation and rehabilitation of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. The entire facility is expected to be completed by next March, achieving the dual goals of ecological education and tourism development.