Kaohsiung Music Center

Overview

The Kaohsiung Music Center is a striking waterfront concert complex on the Penglai commercial port, opened in 2021. Designed by Spanish firm Mecanoo, its six wave-shaped performance halls host pop, indie, and electronic acts, making it the city's premier live-music destination.

Highlights

• Whale and Dolphin Halls: The two largest indoor venues seat 3,500 and 1,000, respectively, with marine-inspired curving rooftops.
• Outdoor Amphitheatre: A harbour-facing terraced plaza hosts free concerts and festivals during warmer months.
• Rooftop Promenade: The connected rooftop walkway is open to the public and offers panoramic harbour views.

History

Planned as part of Kaohsiung's Asia New Bay Area development, the Music Center was designed in 2014 and fully opened in March 2021 after delays caused by the pandemic. It was conceived to rebrand Kaohsiung from an industrial port city into a music and culture capital.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Check the programme for weekend outdoor concerts—many are free of charge.
• Tip 2: The rooftop walk is accessible during daytime even without a concert ticket.
• Duration: 1–2 hours (concert) or 30 minutes (architecture walk).