The museum building was built in 1916 and completed in 1917 to be used as Kaohsiung Harbor's Customs and Duties Office during the Japanese rule of Taiwan.

However, owing to its historical value, the office was renovated in 1997 and transformed into Kaohsiung Harbor Museum.

In 2002, the museum was officially opened to the public in conjunction with the anniversary of Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau.

Each of the exterior and interior wall is decorated differently to showcase the rich and diverse architectural elements in a perfect harmony.

[1] The museum is accessible within walking distance South East from Sizihwan Station of Kaohsiung MRT.