The Takao Railway Museum has various exhibits that tell the story of railway transportation in Kaohsiung and the rest of Taiwan. It is based in the city’s first ever railway hub, Kaohsiung Harbour Train Station, which closed in 2008. Take a look at the site’s collection of steam engines from the Japanese colonial era.
Admire the classic Japanese style of the former station’s façade. The main hall of the station has been preserved so you can admire the spacious area. Sift through books that cover the theme of railroads across the globe.
Enter the museum to browse its various locomotives that date back many decades. Capture photos of the models and imagine travelling in these outdated trains. See the old-fashioned steam engines on display.
Learn about the defunct Kaohsiung Harbour Train Station and the key role it played in the development of the city around the river and the sea. Built in 1900 by Japanese occupants, it was an important part of the Japanese colonial era in the first part of the 20th century. The museum opened in 2010, two years after the railway station finally closed.
See intriguing modern artworks at the Pier-2 Art Centre nearby. It's just across the street in a site of abandoned warehouses and attracts young crowds with its edgy works.
Entrance to the railway museum is free. Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibit area.
The Takao Railway Museum is located just west of Love River in the Gushan region of the city. It is next to Kaohsiung Harbour, where you can take ferries to visit the Cijin Lighthouse and Cijin Seaside Park. Take the metro to Sizihwan Station on the Orange Line and walk for several minutes to reach the museum.
