Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central, Hong Kong

Best museums in Hong Kong

Need some culture? Head to one of these museums

The majority of Hong Kong’s museums are bilingual, cheap, easily accessible and offer an airconditioned break as well as educational insights. Many offer free admission one day a week (typically Wednesdays) and interactive exhibits that are great for children. They cover a surprising range of fields, from history and art to considerably more niche interests such as medicine and railways. Here’s our pick of some of the best museums in Hong Kong.

Read more: Best annual events and festivals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong History Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The museum’s permanent exhibition, The Hong Kong Story, brings to life thousands of years of Hong Kong history, including the prehistoric era, the Opium War and the handover to China, through dioramas and life-sized exhibits. Look out for artefacts from ancient dynasties, a modern tram, and get a taste of old Hong Kong by strolling through a reconstructed street complete with a barber, bank, post office and grocer. There is even a traditional Chinese medicine shop which was relocated from its original location stone by stone.

100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Since its relocation from Murray House to Central Pier No. 8, the museum has become a favourite among locals and travellers alike. The interior is divided into three decks with 10 galleries dedicated to exhibiting 3,000 years of Chinese maritime history. The ship-bridge simulator is a highlight for children to get a taste of ship-steering and what it’s like to be a seafarer. Make sure to swing by Café 8 for a coffee and one of the best views of the harbour.

Central Pier No. 8, Central

Hong Kong Coastal Defence Museum

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Set in a British fort now more than a century old, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Hong Kong’s military past, from the Ming and Qing period to the British colonial era and the Japanese occupation. Take the historical trail through the casemates and passageways to the sea, and explore the array of artefacts on display, including uniforms, maps, cannons, replica torpedos and guns.

175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Permanent exhibitions include the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, which showcases a reconstructed bamboo theatre as well as items once used by famous Cantonese opera artists. The Children’s Discovery Gallery transports little ones to the depths of the sea, archaeological digs and a traditional New Territories village.

1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin

Hong Kong Railway Museum

Hong Kong Railway Museum, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Source: Flickr

Hidden in vibrant Tai Po Market, this charming open-air museum has been converted from the former Tai Po Market railway station. The museum was declared a city monument and is dedicated to introducing visitors to Hong Kong’s rail history. Travel back in time to the colonial era by walking on the rail tracks, getting on board and taking pictures in the authentic train compartments.

13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Tai Po

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

Museum of Medical Sciences, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Housed in the Old Pathological Institute, this was the battleground of the city’s fight against infectious diseases, including the plague, smallpox and malaria. Explore the old laboratory of the Bacteriological Institute, Hong Kong’s first clinical and public health laboratory and see a reconstruction of students dissecting rats for plague surveillance. Visit the Herbalist Shop in the basement to find out about traditional Chinese medicine and learn more about the complex workings of the human body with cutting-edge 3D and 4D displays.

2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels

Hong Kong Science Museum

Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Boasting more than 350 interactive exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to engage in hands-on exploration of science. Ignite your child’s curiosity with games, fun facts about electricity, earth formation, motion and more. There is also a children’s play zone to provide further entertainment and frequent touring exhibitions.

2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Featured image courtesy of Flickr.