The historic weapon exhibition presents weapons from prehistoric time, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age to modern times. The collection features few artifacts from Taiwan or areas close to it as the main idea of the collection is to allow Taiwanese people to see artwork and pieces that they otherwise would have to travel a long way and spend a lot of money to see. The museum’s founder grew up disadvantaged and wants to ensure that local children can be inspired by global culture even if their families do not have the resources to travel extensively. Musical instruments The museum collects musical instruments of historical significance, in particular violins and other string instruments by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Jacob Stainer, Amati, Rogeri, Joseph Guarneri Filius Andrea, Vincenzo Rugeri, Seraphin, Gagliano, Guadagnini and other famous artisans. The collection is noted for the Guarneri del Gesù "Ole Bull" violin of 1744, which is believed to be the last work of the famed artisan. As of 2019, the museum houses more than 1,370 violins and has allowed more than 3,000 violinists to borrow from the collection, with more than 220 violins out on loan. The museum loans the antique instruments to distinguished musicians free of charge. In 1999, Yo-Yo Ma borrowed the Pawle Stradivarius cello for a concert in Taipei. In 2015, Yu-Chien Tseng won the silver prize (no gold prize was awarded) at the 15th International Tchaikovsky Competition with the Castelbarco-Tarisio Guarnerius violin from the museum. As of 2021 the collection was the world’s largest. Artworks The Madonna of Humility - Paolo di Giovanni Fei (Italy, 1345-1411) Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me - Lucas Cranach the Younger (Germany, 1515–1586) Saint Martin and the Beggar - El Greco (Spain, 1540/50-1614) Charity - Jacques Blanchard (France, 1630-1638) The Last Tears - Narcisse Virgilio Díaz de la Peña (France, 1807–1876) Charity - Friedrich von Amerling (Austria, 1803-1887) The Blessing of the Wheat - Jules Breton (France 1827-1906) Reproductions from the museum The museum has offered reproductions such as canvas posters, simulating sculptures made from bonded marble powder, stationery items and many classic CD recordings performed by top Taiwanese musicians on the rare instruments from the Chi Mei Collection since 1997. The museum has also published the hardcover book "Chi-Mei Collection of Fine Violins" featuring 15 world-famous string instruments made by the Italian violin makers of the 17th century. Through the Shining