Shi Wen-long (許文龍), an entrepreneur and the founder of CHIMEI Museum (奇美博物館), passed away on Nov. 18 at the age of 96. Upon hearing this news, Culture Minister Shih Che expressed his deepest condolences. Minister Shih commended Shi's admirable contributions to society, through developing high-tech materials at his company CHIMEI Corporation as well as the establishment of the CHIMEI Museum and Chi Mei Medical Center.
Born in 1928 during wartime to a family of 10 children, Shi found escape at a “small local museum in Tainan.” Shi was a frequent visitor to museums when he was little, and he aspired to build a home-like museum, allowing people from all walks of life to visit. In order to achieve this aspiration, in 1992, he showcased his personal collections publicly in his factory, without charging a single cent. After years of working and searching, along with collaboration with the Tainan County Government and Taiwan Sugar Corporation, he finally established the CHIMEI Museum in Tainan Metropolitan Park. The private museum opened in 2015 and was well-received by the public. It is known for housing the world's largest violin collection and for its significant collections of ancient weapons and sculptures.
As a music enthusiast, Shi collected musical instruments of historical significance, in particular violins and other string instruments made by famous artisans. He believed his collections of instruments are meant to be shared with talented musicians. Thus, the CHIMEI Culture Foundation has lent these instruments that Shi collected from all over the world to performers and music students for over three decades. MOC thanked Shi’s selfless dedication to art that has enriched the lives of Taiwanese people.