Tainan Art Museum Building 2

The Tainan Art Museum consists of two buildings: Building 1, the former Tainan Police Department, a designated historic site, and Building 2, a contemporary structure built on the Gong-11 base, co-designed by architect Shih Chao-Yung and the Japanese firm Shigeru Ban Architects. The museum’s location is steeped in cultural heritage, where the rebirth of old architecture meets new creations, fostering artistic exchange and interaction. It also serves as an experimental hub for the expansion and convergence of Tainan’s artistic energy.

Building 2, designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, officially opened on January 27, 2019. Its pentagonal form was inspired by the flamboyant flame tree blossoms characteristic of Tainan, with stacked and staggered box-like volumes creating flexible circulation routes. Semi-outdoor terraces shaped by tiered steps provide spaces for leisure and events. The large pentagonal fractured roof structure, designed to respond to Tainan’s climate, simulates the natural shade of trees. Its geometric, fragmented design helps regulate energy use while casting dappled, leaf-like light patterns as the sun shifts throughout the day. 

The exhibition space spans about 2,700 square meters, housing 16 galleries, collection storage, a cross-disciplinary performance hall, a children’s art center, a light dining café, and a scenic restaurant. The basement level includes a public parking facility for visitors.