Thing to do
Star Ferry
The historic green-and-white ferries that have crossed Victoria Harbour since 1888, linking Tsim Sha Tsui with Central and Wan Chai for a few Hong Kong dollars.
Tai Kwun
The restored Central Police Station compound on Hollywood Road, reopened in 2018 as a centre for heritage, contemporary art and performance with restaurants and bars.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage and arts centre
- Area
- Central, Hong Kong
- Official site
- taikwun.hk
Good to know
- Heritage exhibitions
- Contemporary art galleries
- Guided tours
- Restaurants and bars
Why we recommend it
Tai Kwun is the former Central Police Station compound on Hollywood Road, a group of historic buildings that also includes the former Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison. The oldest parts date from 1841, and the site has more than 180 years of history. After a conservation and revitalisation project led by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in partnership with the government, it reopened in phases from May 2018 as a centre for heritage and the arts.
The compound has 16 historic buildings and two new ones. Herzog and de Meuron led the masterplan, with Rocco Design Architects as executive architects and Purcell on research and conservation. The new buildings take their cue from the historic brickwork around them. The project won a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2019.
Heritage exhibitions in the B and D Halls of the former Victoria Prison tell the story of the site, and guided tours are available. Contemporary art and performing arts programmes run through the year, and there are smaller specialist galleries such as The Gallery by SOIL, which focuses on lacquer art. Film fans may recognise the old police station from the 1994 film Chungking Express.
The compound is also a place to eat and drink. Restaurants include Café Claudel, Madame Fù, Prince and the Peacock and the Magistracy Dining Room, and for drinks there is Dragonfly, the speakeasy 001 and On the hill, a coffee bar in a former jail cell.
The conservation project took eight years and cost several billion Hong Kong dollars, and it was interrupted in 2016 when a wall and roof collapsed, which gives a sense of the care that went into restoring the buildings you see today.
Allow at least two hours to see the heritage exhibitions and a gallery, and longer if you stay for a meal. Check the official website for current exhibitions, tours and opening times before you go, as programmes change regularly. Tai Kwun suits history lovers, art fans, families and anyone looking for a break from shopping. It is at the heart of Central's older streets, with Man Mo Temple further west along Hollywood Road and Ho Lee Fook on nearby Elgin Street.
Tai Kwun FAQs
What is Tai Kwun?
The restored Central Police Station compound, including the former Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, now a centre for heritage and the arts.
When did Tai Kwun open?
It reopened in phases from May 2018 after a conservation project led by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Where is it?
At 10 Hollywood Road, Central.
What can you see?
Heritage exhibitions in the B and D Halls of Victoria Prison, contemporary art and performances.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours of the heritage site are offered.
Where can you eat there?
Restaurants include Café Claudel, Madame Fù, Prince and the Peacock and the Magistracy Dining Room.
Has it won awards?
It received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2019.
How long should you allow?
At least two hours, more if you stay for a meal.