Buy National Palace Museum tickets
The National Palace Museum in Taipei houses one of the largest collections of Chinese art in the world. Here’s how to visit it and buy your tickets.
Located in Taipei, the National Palace Museum is one of Taiwan’s most important cultural sites and a global reference for Chinese art. It preserves more than 700,000 works from the imperial collections, spanning several millennia of history, from ancient dynasties to the end of the Chinese empire. Paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, bronzes and jade objects are displayed in a modern and educational setting. This museum is a must-visit to understand Chinese cultural heritage. In this guide, discover essential information, must-see collections and how to buy your tickets.
🎨 National Palace Museum in Taipei: key facts
- 🏛️ One of the largest collections of Chinese art in the world
- 📍 Located in Taipei, easily accessible from the city center
- 🖼️ Imperial masterpieces: calligraphy, porcelain, jade and paintings
- ⏱️ Recommended visit time: at least 2 to 3 hours
- 🎫 Tickets available online to avoid waiting lines
- 📅 Permanent and temporary exhibitions all year round
The National Palace Museum is much more than just a museum: it is one of Taiwan’s cultural pillars and a world reference for Chinese art. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover or simply a curious traveler, it is a must-see during a stay in Taipei.
The National Palace Museum is an art and history museum that houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial objects in the world.
It now holds more than 700,000 works, covering nearly 8,000 years of history, from the earliest Chinese civilizations to the end of the Qing dynasty.
📌 Originally, these treasures came from the Forbidden City in Beijing. They were transferred to Taiwan in the mid-20th century to protect them from conflict and destruction.
🎨 You can discover in particular:
👉 Unlike many Western museums, the exhibition layout is designed to explain the artworks, their context and symbolism, even for non-specialist visitors.
The prestige of the National Palace Museum is based on several key factors:
📌 As a result, even if you have already visited major museums in Europe or Asia, the experience here is completely different.
Yes, without hesitation, and not only for Chinese art enthusiasts.
✔️ It is worth visiting if you are looking for:
⚠️ However, keep in mind:
The ticket question is essential, as the museum attracts many visitors, especially during peak season and weekends.
The entrance ticket price is generally affordable, considering the quality of the visit.
🎟️ The standard ticket includes:
👶 Reduced rates or free admission may apply for:
📌 As prices may change, it is recommended to check the exact ticket price at the time of booking by clicking the button below.
Booking in advance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
✅ Booking online allows you to:
❌ Without booking, you may face:
👉 For a stress-free visit, booking your ticket in advance is clearly a plus.
There are several options to buy your tickets:
✔️ Online purchase is generally the most convenient, especially if you want to:
Good planning allows you to fully enjoy the museum without unnecessary fatigue.
The National Palace Museum is open almost all year round, with regular opening hours.
📅 Usual opening hours:
ℹ️ Good to know
Opening hours may change depending on:
👉 It is therefore recommended to check the exact opening hours before your visit, especially if you are traveling during a specific period or peak season.
The length of the visit strongly depends on your interest in the collections.
🕒 Recommendations:
📌 There is no need to see everything: it is better to select the main sections.
Yes, the National Palace Museum is family-friendly, even though the content is highly cultural.
👶 Positive points:
⚠️ For young children:
Yes, and it is even highly recommended for a first visit.
👣 Available options:
🎯 Benefits of a guided visit:
👉 Ideal if you want to make sense of your visit without getting lost in too much information.
Located slightly away from the city center, the National Palace Museum remains easy to access thanks to Taipei’s efficient transportation network. Several options are available depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transport.
The museum is located north of Taipei, in the Shilin district, a greener and more residential area than the city center.
📌 Key points:
👉 Its location also explains why it is recommended to plan your transportation in advance, especially if you have a tight schedule.
There is no metro station directly in front of the museum, but access is still easy.
🚇 Metro + bus:
🚌 By bus:
✔️ Advantages:
⚠️ Drawback:
slightly longer travel time than by taxi
Yes, this is even the easiest option if you are short on time.
🚕 By taxi:
🚗 By car:
👉 Taxis are often the best compromise between comfort and speed, especially for a first visit.
Yes, absolutely.
📍 From central districts:
✔️ The journey is simple, well-signposted and pleasant.
👉 The museum easily fits into a half-day itinerary in Taipei.
The museum is vast and rich. A few tips help you enjoy it fully, without fatigue or frustration.
The best time slots are generally:
📅 Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
👉 If possible, avoid:
- Saturday and Sunday midday
- Taiwanese public holidays
For a more comfortable visit:
📌 The museum is well organized, but some very popular rooms can fill up quickly.
If you have less than two hours, focus on:
👉 No need to see everything: a focused visit is often more enjoyable and memorable.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but with some rules.
📷 Good to know:
👉 Be sure to check on-site instructions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
The ideal length of time for a visit to the National Palace Museum is between 2 and 3 hours. This allows you to see the major works without rushing. Chinese art enthusiasts can easily spend half a day there. If you are short on time, it is better to focus on the iconic collections rather than trying to see everything.
Yes, the museum offers multilingual audio guides, generally available in English and sometimes in other languages. They provide a better understanding of the major works and their historical context. These guides are particularly useful if you are not familiar with Chinese art history, as the explanations are clear and accessible.
Backpacks and small bags are allowed, but large luggage may be subject to restrictions. Lockers are sometimes available to store bulky items. It is recommended that you travel light to enjoy your visit more comfortably and move around the galleries easily, especially during busy times.
Yes, the National Palace Museum has a souvenir shop offering items inspired by the imperial collections: books, reproductions, stationery, and cultural gifts. There is also a café or light refreshment area, ideal for taking a break between sections or after your visit.