Why is Tai Kwun so Special?
Occupying a large pocket of land in the middle of Central’s SoHo district, Tai Kwun is a living record of the legal, judiciary and penal system in Hong Kong. Today it is host to 16 revitalised heritage buildings, including the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, juxtaposed by the contemporary Herzog & de Meuron-designed JC Contemporary and JC Cube. It is the recipient of the Award of Excellence in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2019.
What's on at Tai Kwun?
Visitors to Tai Kwun can get a glimpse of heritage stories from the late 19th century in Hong Kong through the painstakingly restored heritage buildings and large courtyards, which can be visited independently or as part of one of the organised tours. One of the most popular sections of the compound is the tiny, cramped cells which imprisoned thousands of people. The careful restoration and addition of interactive exhibits make for an atmospheric and informative encounter.
Meanwhile Tai Kwun offers more than just a tracing back in time. In addition to the heritage, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of visual arts, music and theatre performances, film screenings and educational programs, as well as free lunchtime concerts, evening openings and a stellar line-up of F&B outlets — there really is nowhere else quite like it in the city.