The Pier-2 Art Center ：Historic Warehouses Transformed into Kaohsiung's Premier Creative Hub

The Pier-2 Art Center is one of Kaohsiung’s most representative cultural landmarks. Located within the Kaohsiung Port’s Third Pier, it transformed a cluster of idle old port warehouses into vibrant spaces for art exhibitions, design shops, themed restaurants, and creative markets. It is not only a paradise for art lovers but also a significant milestone witnessing Kaohsiung’s transition from a traditional industrial port to a modern creative city.

Originally named “Kaohsiung Port Second Ferry Pier,” the Pier-2 Art Center dates back to the Japanese colonial period, primarily used for storing fish meal, sugar, and various import/export goods. In the 1970s, Taiwan’s sugar industry gradually declined due to falling international sugar prices, leading to decreased warehouse usage and eventual abandonment. It wasn't until 2000, during preparations for the National Day fireworks event, that the potential of these warehouses was unexpectedly discovered. Following advocacy by artists and local history preservationists, the Kaohsiung City Government decided to preserve and revitalize these old buildings. In 2006, the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Cultural Affairs officially took over the management, opening it to the public under the name “The Pier-2 Art Center,” becoming a vital cultural base in Southern Taiwan.

The Pier-2 park area is extensive, stretching along the waterfront, and is mainly divided into three core zones, each with its unique style and function.
Dayong Warehouse Cluster: Serving as the starting point of Pier-2, this area gathers various large exhibition spaces, designer brand stores, and key facilities like Eslite Bookstore, in89 Pier-2 Cinema, and Moonlight Theater. The outdoor area features numerous large-scale installation artworks, making it a popular photo spot.
Penglai Warehouse Cluster: Rich in historical traces, this area preserves the railway tracks from the Japanese colonial era. Key facilities here include the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway and the Pier-2 Mini Train, suitable for family activities. The warehouses are primarily used for creative markets, exhibitions, and dining services.
Dayi Warehouse Cluster: Located on the easternmost side, key facilities include SunnyHills, handcraft studios, galleries, and the LIVE WAREHOUSE, focusing mainly on dining, gourmet food, and experimental art exhibitions. The architecture here is more diverse, featuring many independent cafes, specialty shops, and art studios, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

The core architectural charm of Pier-2 lies in the regeneration of its “industrial heritage.” It retains the historical appearance of the original port warehouses, breathing new life into the aging structures with creative inspiration. These warehouse buildings bear witness to Kaohsiung Port’s transformation from a bustling hub to an art district. The most distinctive feature in the park is the “Pier-2 Tower,” which serves as the highest vantage point of the entire complex, offering expansive panoramic views of Kaohsiung Port from the top. The former West Coastal Rail line, once used for transporting goods, has now been transformed into Kaohsiung’s most popular waterside light rail, running through the entire Pier-2 Art Center.

A major highlight of the park is its rich collection of outdoor art installations, including outstanding works left by artists from previous International Steel Sculpture Festivals, Driftwood On-Site Creation Exhibitions, and the Kaohsiung Man Figure Dressing Project. Pier-2 regularly hosts city-creative events such as the Kaohsiung Design Festival, Hanzi Festival, Container Arts Festival, and Live Warehouse music concerts. Public art is scattered throughout, such as the landmark piece “Giant's Blocks,” composed of container shapes, symbolizing Kaohsiung Port’s role as a container hub.

Stepping into the Pier-2 Art Center is like opening a time capsule dedicated to Kaohsiung Port City; the old warehouses, rail tracks, and sea breeze all tell the story of the city’s pivot from industry to creativity. Whether you are cycling through the warehouse clusters during the day, savoring the public art and exhibitions, or strolling along the waterfront at sunset, watching the sky line blush over the harbor, you can feel the city’s soft yet resilient side. For first-time visitors to Kaohsiung, Pier-2 is the starting point for understanding the port city's character; for those already familiar with it, it's like an old friend, always bringing new surprises through fresh exhibitions and activities. The next time you plan a trip to Southern Taiwan, be sure to reserve an afternoon for Pier-2, and read the harbor story written in art, step by step, with your own eyes.

『The Pier-2 Art Center』

Address: No. 1, Dayong Rd., Yancheng Dist., Kaohsiung City
Operating Hours (Various Exhibition Halls): Weekdays (Mon-Thu) 10:00–18:00; Weekends (Fri-Sun & National Holidays) 10:00–20:00. (Outdoor public space open 24 hours)
Transportation: Take the Kaohsiung MRT Orange Line to “Yanchengpu Station” Exit 1, walk approximately 5 minutes along Dayong Road. Or take the Orange Line to “Sizihwan Station” Exit 2, walk approximately 2 minutes along the West Coastal Cycling Trail.
Take the Kaohsiung Light Rail to “Pier-2 Penglai Station” (C13) or “Pier-2 Dayi Station” (C12).
Take various city buses to Kaohsiung Port Station or Yanchengpu Station bus stop.