Museums and galleries in Hong Kong

Museums and galleries in Hong Kong

1. SeeCentral

   City Gallery

   A celebration of planning proposals and infrastructure projects. Interactive features and devices give visitors the latest information on planning and infrastructure developments in Hong Kong.

   Free

2. SeeCentral

   City Hall

   Concert hall, theatre, and exhibition space. This cultural hub is famous for its dim sum restaurant.

3. SeeKowloon

   Dialogue in the Dark

   An exhibition in complete darkness. Experience five different Hong Kong themed environments using your non-visual senses on a 75-minute tour with the help of a visually impaired guide. Reservations are recommended, especially for a tour in English or Mandarin instead of Cantonese.

   10AM–7:30PM daily·Weekdays $160, $90 for students and seniors; weekends $180, $100 for students and seniors

4. SeeCentral

   Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

   Museum of teapots and cups, with exhibits ranging from modern to 3000 years old.

   Wed-Mon 10AM-6PM·Free

5. SeeSouthern District

   Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum

   The museum has been extensively renovated with 10 galleries including a mock gallows, two replicas of prison cells and more than 600 separate exhibits including historical documents, photographs and artifacts from the history of Hong Kong's prison system. An annex also displays examples of products made by prisoners at the nearby Stanley Prison.

   Tue-Sun 10:00 to 17:00 except on public holidays·Free

6. SeeNew Territories

   Hong Kong Heritage Museum

   For those with a serious interest in Chinese culture, this might appeal to you as one of Hong Kong's best museums. Modern, informative and attractively presented, this museum houses several permanent exhibitions of life in the New Territories, Cantonese opera, and Chinese art, as well as temporary exhibitions of a high calibre.

   Mon Wed-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat Sun 10AM-7PM (closed Tue plus first ane second day of Chinese New Year)·Free for permanent exhibits

7. SeeCentral

   Hong Kong Maritime Museum

   香港海事博物館

   In addition to original artifacts, cannons, scrolls, ship's models and paintings, the galleries of Hong Kong Maritime Museum have over 25 interactive screens using the latest technology to introduce visitors to the vast range of stories and topics at the heart of Hong Kong's – and the world's – maritime story. You can learn of Poon Lim, the world record holder for solo survival at sea. See how a junk is built. Trace the development of China's trade routes from the Han to the Qing Dynasty. Investigate China Trade paintings. Hunt pirates. Load a container ship.

   Mon-Fri 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sat Sun 10AM-7PM·$30, half price for seniors and students

8. SeeKowloon

   Hong Kong Museum of Art

   A fascinating, strange and elusive place. The entrance lies up one floor, mimicking the “temple” approach to the high altar of culture and art. Once you arrive on the first floor, you are bathed in light from the wall of glass that gives you a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. The objects on show are Chinese ceramics, terracotta, rhinoceros horn and Chinese paintings. There is also a temporary exhibition space devoted to items from their own collection with additional lent material. There is also space for contemporary art produced by Hong Kong artists, most of whom have moved away from the traditional Chinese art forms to fusion art with North American and British influence, reflecting Hong Kong's colonial past.

   closed for renovations until 2019·$10, concessions $5

9. SeeKowloon

   Hong Kong Museum of History

   The permanent exhibition, the Hong Kong Story, covers the history of Hong Kong from millions of years ago until the reunification with China in 1997. Exhibits are about the nature, culture and history of Hong Kong. Also special exhibitions changing every few months. Forget the idea that all of Hong Kong museums are frumpy and boring. The Hong Kong Story is a real must go and do, ideal for those who want to make sense of Hong Kong's vibrant past in an engaging and interactive way. Allow 2-4 hours.

   Mon Wed-Fri 10AM-6PM; Sat Sun 10AM-7PM·$10, concession $5, Wednesday free. Cash only

10. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

    香港醫學博物館

    The neighbour of one of the earliest hospitals in Hong Kong, Tung Wah Hospital, this museum shows how the healthcare system evolved from traditional Chinese medicine to modern Western medicine, via the establishment of numerous hospitals and the first medical school (now the University of Hong Kong), of which Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a student.

11. SeeEastern District

    Hong Kong Police Museum

    There are five galleries: Orientation describing the history of the force, Triad Societies and Narcotics describing the history of Triad Societies and narcotic problems, Police Then & Now describing the transformation of Hong Kong Police Force over the years, Current Exhibition exhibiting changing themes, and Heroin Factory exhibiting a heroin production site.

    Wed-Sun 9AM–5PM, Tue 2–5PM·Free

12. DoEastern District

    Hong Kong Racing Museum

    Artificats and some of the largest exhibits in the world next to the track of the Happy Valley Racecourse.

    Noon-7pm Everyday

13. SeeNew Territories

    Hong Kong Railway Museum

    香港鐵路博物館

    An open-air museum converted from the old Tai Po Railway Station. It has seven railway coaches and two locomotives.

    Open from 10AM-6PM on Mon and Wed-Sunday. Closing is 1 hour earlier (5PM) on Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and first two days of Lunar New Year.·Free

14. SeeKowloon

    Hong Kong Science Museum

    Large museum with many interactive exhibits including an energy machine and an airplane. A museum which decided to make an architectural statement about its purpose, yet somehow got it horribly wrong. This museum is primarily aimed at children. The maths puzzles and optical illusions on the top floor are challenging. There is a giant Rube Goldberg machine spanning the entire museum that is run for a few minutes every two hours. (Sections are being renovated during 2016.)

    Mon-Wed Fri 10AM-7PM; Sat Sun 10AM-9PM·$35 (permanent exhibitions only $25)

15. SeeKowloon

    Hong Kong Space Museum

    Small museum, with a basic history of space flight in static exhibits, including a single exhibit on Chinese space flight. It also has interactive exhibits, allowing you to fly a hang glider, work a space motion system, and simulate walking on the moon. It has a planetarium attached that shows movies projected onto the roof. Plan ahead if you want to see an English session, as most are Cantonese. It is fun for kids aged around 10 to 15 years.

    Mon Wed-Sat noon-8:45PM, Sun 10AM-8:45PM, Tue closed·$10 on most days. Free on Wednesdays

16. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre

    Offers visual arts studios for artists as well as exhibition halls.

    Wed-Mon 10AM-9PM

17. SeeNew Territories

    Hong Kong Wetland Park

    Is a relaxing park set amidst an ecological mitigation area. One can stroll along a network of board walks built over the marshy area and watch birds from a tower. The park also features a large visitors centre/museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits ideal for children, as well as some live animal habitats. To visit, take MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station, then the #705 light rail to Wetland Park. The park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

18. SeeKowloon

    Kowloon Walled City Park

    The Kowloon Walled City began as an enclave that remained under Chinese sovereignty when the New Territories and the rest of Kowloon were ceded to the British. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, its legal status became disputed, and there was no effective government within the walled city as a result. The massive influx of mainland Chinese refugees after the communist takeover led to haphazard construction of high-rise buildings, resulting in a horrendous convolution of maze-like alleys, darkness, cramped space, unsanitary conditions and fire hazards. There was no effective police presence inside the city, and it was a hotbed of triads, prostitution and unlicensed doctors and dentists. The Walled City was notorious for drugs, vice and many things shady and criminal. In 1994, after so many years of being beyond the reach of the law, the colonial government struck a deal with the Beijing authorities and razed the place to the ground. The park that replaced it is very tame in comparison to its distinctive history, but it does offer a few clues and remnants from its colourful past, including the former yamen dating back to the Qing Dynasty. As of 2026 there is an exhibition within the park that has some simulacral recreations of the walled city.

    6:30AM-11AM daily. Exhibitions room: 10AM-6PM, closed Wed·Free

19. SeeKowloon

    Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum

    Tomb from the Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25 - 220) discovered in 1955. Exhibition hall displaying pottery and artifacts from the excavation of the tomb.

    Mon-Wed Fri Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 1-6PM·Free

20. SeeKowloon

    M+

    Museum of contemporary visual culture (architecture, design, animation, and visual art) with a local and global focus.

    10:00–18:00, 10:00–22:00 on Fridays, closed Mondays·HK$120 adults, HK$60 concessions

21. SeeNew Territories

    Sha Tau Kok Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall

    沙頭角抗戰紀念館

    Opened in September 2022, this is the first comprehensive museum about the Second World War in Hong Kong. The museum is at the former home of the Luo Family, which was the first base of operations for Communist-led guerrilla fighters from the Mainland who came across the border to help resist the Japanese. At the present time, the museum is only accepting group visits and bookings are essential. As the museum is outside the Frontier Closed Area, visitors do not need a permit to visit the museum.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays·Free

22. SeeNew Territories

    Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture

    Museum displays cooking utensils, cutlery, spices from different time periods around the world and the food culture of Hong Kong. Advance online reservation is required. Each session lasts 75 minutes. Guide will narrate in Cantonese for 45 minutes followed by 30 minutes of free tour.

    Tours Sat Sun holidays from 9:30AM to 5:15PM·Free entry

23. SeeNew Territories

    The Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

    M-W F Sa from 10AM-5PM, Sunday and public holidays from 1:00-5PM, closed Th (except public holidays), New Year, Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas holidays. Admission is free.

24. SeeEastern District

    The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

    One of Hong Kong's most outstanding buildings. If you are refused admittance, you can take a walk along the promenade at the front of the building to find the place where the British returned Hong Kong to mainland China. Paved in concrete, the modest plaza where the Handover took place in 1997 is home to two monuments; one takes the form of a giant golden bauhinia and the other looks like a chimney stack. The bauhinia tree is sometimes known as the Hong Kong orchid and has been adopted as the emblem of the SAR which features on the Hong Kong flag that flutters above the square. For the many tourists from mainland China, this place holds a special significance, so you can expect a steady stream or tour buses.

25. SeeEastern District

    The Museum of Coastal Defence

    Despite its dry title, this museum is worth a visit if you enjoy military history.

    Fri-Wed 10AM-5PM, last admission at 4:30PM·Admission $10

26. SeeLantau

    Tian Tan Buddha

    天壇大佛

    At over 250 tonnes and 34 m in height, this was the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue in the world, until the statue of Dordenna Buddha near Thimphu in Bhutan was finished in 2015. The site also offers unobstructed views over the island. Access to the Buddha is free, although entering the museum inside during busy times requires a meal ticket for the vegetarian restaurant; a snack costs $23 while full meals are $60 (normal) or $100 (deluxe). Less direct alternatives to the cable car are bus #2 from Mui Wo ferry pier or bus #23 from Tung Chung (both $17.20/27 on weekdays/Sundays).

    Open 10AM to 6PM

27. SeeCentral

    Trick Eye Museum Hong Kong

    The only Korean 3D museum in Hong Kong. It presents a magnificent collection of 3D art pieces. It features paintings on plain surfaces that magically appear to be three dimensional through the use of optical illusion. You are most welcome to touch, climb and interact with the amazing exhibits. You can also enjoy the free observation deck view of the beautiful Harbour View.

    10AM-10PM·Adults $150, child or senior $100

28. SeeCentral

    University Museum and Art Gallery

    The oldest museum in Hong Kong dating back to 1953 has a large permanent collection of Chinese antiquities as well as modern paintings. It also host exhibitions of contemporary and ancient art.

    Mon-Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 1-6PM

29. DrinkEastern District Not mapped

    Café "1974"

    「一九七四」咖啡廳

    A coffee shop operated by Po Leung Kuk that also functions as the ICAC's museum. The shop was named after the year of establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and coffee is known to be one of the drinks available to detainees during interrogation. Good coffee at around $22.

    Mon-Fri 10AM to 5PM

30. SeeKowloon Not mapped

    Hong Kong Palace Museum

    香港故宮文化博物館

    A museum displaying artefacts from the Forbidden City in Beijing.

    Mon Wed Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri Sat Sun 10AM-8PM·Adults $50, concessions $25, entry is free on Wednesdays provided you book online

31. SeeNew Territories Not mapped

    Red House

    This is a memorial building to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The house and the farm was where Dr. Sun Yat-sen planned to overthrow the Qing dynasty. It is named after its appearance, red bricks with plastering in red. The two-storey house is a combination of Chinese and Western architecture. Adjacent to the house is a garden commemorating Dr. Sun Yat Sen and is one of a few places in Hong Kong where the Flag of the Republic of China is flown freely. However, it is not touristic; if you wish to know more about Dr. Sun, you should visit his memorial museum and the path both on the Hong Kong Island.

32. SeeCentral

    Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum

    Exhibits on the life of Sun Yat-sen.

    Mon-Wed Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat Sun 10AM-7PM·$10, concession $5, free on W

33. SeeEastern District

    Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery

    Exhibits firefighting stuff.

    Mon Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM·Free

34. SeeNew Territories

    Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change

    Yasumoto International Academic Park, 8th Floor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin

    Mon Tue Thu-Sat 09:30-17:00. Closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, public holidays and university holidays (including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve)·Free

35. SeeEastern District

    Law Uk Folk Museum

    18th-century Hakka village house.

    Mon-Wed Fri Sat 10AM-6PM; Sun 1-6PM·Free

36. SeeNew Territories

    Sam Tung Uk Museum

    三棟屋博物館

    A Hakka walled-village that was built in 1786.

    Wed-Mon 10AM - 6PM

37. SeeNew Territories

    Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum

    慈山寺佛教藝術博物館

    No. 88, Universal Gate Road, Tai Po

    10:00-13:00 (last admission at 12:30), 14:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except Mondays that fall on a public holiday)·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Hong Kong (CC BY-SA 4.0).