By: Melissa Stevens
Museums in Hong Kong cover a diverse range of topics from art to science. Get some fascinating insights into the city, as well as keep the kids entertained. Many of the museums are free entry on Wednesdays and you can also get an annual pass. They make a great way to beat the heat or escape the rain when the elements get a bit too extreme.
#1 Hong Kong Museum of History
This huge facility offers a comprehensive guide to the history of the city. Despite covering archaeology, history, enthnography and natural history of the area, it’s visually interesting displays mean even young museum goers find plenty to be engaged by.
100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon | 2724 9042 | hk.history.museum
#2 Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Located in Sha Tin, you will find a comprehensive collection divided into 12 exhibition galleries with relics which give insight into the history and culture of Hong Kong and the South China region. The museum is home to a special Bruce Lee exhibition.
1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories | 2180 8188 | heritagemuseum.gov.hk
#3 Hong Kong Maritime Museum
In its fitting location at Central’s Pier 8, this museum showcases the city’s seafaring history. It looks at the development of various boats and ships, as well as the importance of shipping to Hong Kong’s economy. Interactive displays make it a good family outing.
Central Pier 8, Central, Hong Kong Island | 3713 2500 | hkmaritimemuseum.org
#4 Hong Kong Science Museum
This is a great museum for kids, as more than 70 percent of the 500 exhibits are hands-on and interactive. Young visitors will love the robotics, virtual reality and transportation displays. Look out for the 22m high twin-tower Energy Machine.
2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon | 2732 3232 | hk.science.museum
#5 Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Located in the grounds of Hong Kong Park, Flagstaff House was built in the 1840s and is an excellent example of colonial architecture. It was converted into the Museum of Tea Ware in 1984 and is devoted to educating people about ceramic art and tea drinking culture.
10 Cotton Tree Drive (inside Hong Kong Park), Central, Hong Kong Island | 2869 0690 | 2869 6690 | lcsd.gov.hk
#6 Hong Kong Police Museum
The Hong Kong Police Museum on The Peak is a great one for history buffs, with displays looking at history of triads in the city, as well as a stuffed head of the “Sheung Shui Tiger”, shot in 1915 by two policeman.
27 Coombe Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island | 2849 7019 | police.gov.hk
#7 Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery
This is a hit with young boys who enjoy getting a close up look with a fireboat. The Alexander Grantham was the flagship of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department sea rescue team from 1952 to 2002. One of the museums that celebrate this city’s rich links with the harbour.
Quarry Bay Park, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island | 2367 7821 | lcsd.gov.hk
#8 Hong Kong Racing Museum
Hong Kong’s love affair with racing is well-known, so it’s fitting that there is a museum dedicated to 150 years of racing history. The museum adjoins the world-famous Happy Valley racetrack and looks at the history of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island | 2966 8065 | corporate.hkjc.com
#9 Hong Kong Film Archive
Hong Kong’s rich cinematic history is celebrated at the film archive, one of the city’s most fascinating museums. Film buffs can enjoy four floors of exhibitions as well as enjoy screenings of old Hong Kong films.
50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong Island |2739 2139 | lcsd.gov.hk
#10 Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
The Lei Yue Mun Fort was built by the British in the 1880s to protect Hong Kong from sea invasion and is now home to the Museum of Coastal Defence. It holds a permanent exhibition which looks back at 600 years of military history.
175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong Island | 2569 1500 | hk.coastaldefence.museum
#11 Hong Kong Space Museum
After an extended closure for renovation, the Hong Kong Space Museum has re-opened to the public. The egg-shaped dome has been one of the most recognised landmarks on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront since it opened in 1980. It has a planetarium and an OMNIMAX theatre where it screens films. It also has a replica of a space shuttle nose and cockpit. The museum hosts regular extension activities throughout the year.
10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | 2721 0226 | lcsd.gov.hk
NB – The Hong Kong Museum of Art was closed for renovations at the time of publication.
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