About National Palace Museum
Holding nearly 700,000 objects from the Forbidden City's imperial collection — calligraphy, paintings, jades, bronzes, ceramics and rare books spanning 8,000 years.
Founded in 1925, National Palace Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 101 years. Today it draws approximately 3,800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Taipei, Taiwan, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 25,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Palace Museum ranks #18
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #18, National Palace Museum is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through National Palace Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Jadeite Cabbage
- ◆Meat-Shaped Stone
- ◆Mao Gong Ding bronze
- ◆Song Dynasty paintings
- ◆Imperial seals
- ◆Calligraphy galleries
Recognition & awards
National Palace Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 9:00–17:00 (Sat until 21:00).
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Palace Museum is located in Taipei, Taiwan at coordinates 25.1023°N, 121.5485°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum was established in 1925, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Taipei. With 3,800,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Taiwan's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Asia region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like National Palace Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Taipei
Taipei is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to National Palace Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #206National Museum of History🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Palace Museum?
Daily 9:00–17:00 (Sat until 21:00). We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Palace Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Palace Museum located?
National Palace Museum is located in Taipei, Taiwan. The exact coordinates are 25.1023°, 121.5485°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Palace Museum known for?
The world's greatest collection of Chinese imperial art. Key highlights include Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, Mao Gong Ding bronze. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 25,000 reviews.
How many people visit National Palace Museum each year?
National Palace Museum receives approximately 3,800,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Taiwan.
When was National Palace Museum founded?
National Palace Museum was founded in 1925, making it 101 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
