It’s time to get cultured by learning all about the region's dynamic past at these Hong Kong museums across the city – fun times ahead!
Hong Kong is jam-packed with art galleries, historic buildings, and unique tourist attractions if you know where to look. And it’s also a city that has a huge selection of amazing museums for you to learn more about regional history, cuisine, and more. From maritime tales to new frontiers in space, you’ll find something to enjoy. Oh, and the best part is that many Hong Kong museums offer free entry on Wednesdays. It’s time to get your geek on!
1. Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA)
The renovated HKMOA reopened in late 2019, much to the excitement of art lovers across the city. Established in 1962, the museum was the first public art space of its type, and it currently houses over 17,000 items from across the globe. We love the modern take on classic works and the stunning architecture of this museum.
Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA), 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2721 0116, 尖沙嘴梳士巴利道10號香港藝術館
2. Hong Kong Heritage Museum
One of our absolute fave Hong Kong museums, the Heritage Museum presents a unique mix of history, art, and culture in a stunning traditional building in Sha Tin. Featuring an exhibition area of some 7,500 square metres, the museum houses five permanent galleries: the Jin Yong Gallery, the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, the T. T. Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art, the Chao Shao-an Gallery, and the Children’s Discovery Gallery. On top of these, there are six thematic galleries that regularly host exhibitions, showcasing the diverse treasures of our heritage.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, p. 2180 8188, 沙田文林路一號香港文化博物館
3. Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum
To commemorate Dr Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary who dedicated his life to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and setting up the Republic of China, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum features a selection of important historical artefacts. Also, there are different audiovisual programmes that educate the public about the life and career of Dr Sun, one of the most influential figures in modern Chinese history.
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, 7 Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2367 6373, 中環半山衛城道7號孫中山紀念館
4. Hong Kong Railway Museum
One of the branch museums of Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Railway Museum is located in Tai Po Market. It features a permanent exhibition of Hong Kong’s railway history where you can find photographs, six historical coaches, and a full-size model of an electric train compartment. If you’re a geek for trains, don’t miss out on this one!
Hong Kong Railway Museum, 13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Hong Kong, p. 2653 3455, 大埔墟崇德街13號香港鐵路博物館
5. Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Housed in a stunning building that originally serves as the office and residence of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware specialises in the collection, study, and display of unique tea ware. Including items from the Tang Dynasty right through to the present day, the Museum brings to life the cultural tradition of tea and the part it plays in Chinese culture. Alongside its exhibitions, the Museum holds regular demonstrations, tea gatherings, and lecture programmes to promote ceramic art and education.
Love tea? These Hong Kong tea houses are our favourites.
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2869 0690, 中環紅棉路10號香港公園茶具文物館
6. Hong Kong Museum of History
Established in 1975, the Hong Kong Museum of History has been showcasing and preserving cultural objects which are closely related to the history of Hong Kong and South China. Collections include the likes of coins and philatelic items, along with books and commercial letters. In general, the collections are divided into three major areas of interest: natural history, ethnography, and local history.
Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, p. 2724 9042, 尖東漆咸道南100號香港歷史博物館
7. Hong Kong Space Museum
You can not miss the Hong Kong Space Museum thanks to its unique egg-shaped dome that sits along the TST waterfront. The only planetarium in the region, the Stanley Ho Space Theatre includes a hemispherical projection dome with a diameter of 23 metres. The Museum has two thematic exhibition halls: the Hall of Space Science and the Hall of Astronomy, each housing interactive exhibits that enable visitors to learn through a series of entertaining and educational experiences.
Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2721 0226, 尖沙咀梳士巴利道10號香港太空館
8. Hong Kong Science Museum
Looking for a great day out for the whole family? The Hong Kong Science Museum is devoted to presenting science in a fun and unique environment. Unlike many museums that stick to traditional formats, the Science Museum encourage guests to explore and interact with the over 500 exhibits on show.
Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, p. 2732 3232, 尖東科學館道二號香港科學館
9. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Located on the harbour of Central Pier, The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is a vibrant space dedicated to telling the story of trade and maritime history throughout Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. The museum includes 13 galleries that explain the vital role that the sea has played (and will play) in the city’s past, present and future. Don’t miss the Ship Bridge Simulator that allows you to experience steering a variety of ships.
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier No. 8, Hong Kong, p. 3713 2500, 中環八號碼頭香港海事博物館
10. The Art of Chocolate (The Chocolate Museum of Hong Kong)
Located in Ngong Ping Village, The Art of Chocolate is an artisanal shop and museum that showcases a range of amazing chocolate art pieces, such as themed edible chocolate walls and a chocolate Eiffel tower that is 2.4 metres tall. The Art of Chocolate International has hosted over 60 exhibitions in six countries under “Nikolya Chocolate Museum” and “The Art of Chocolate” brands. Not only is this one of the most interesting museums on our list, but perhaps it’s the tastiest as well!
The Art of Chocolate (The Chocolate Museum of Hong Kong), Shop 12, Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, p. 6894 8633, 大嶼山昂坪村12號舖
