One of the top museums in town and also free of charge for its permanent exhibits, Hong Kong Museum of History chronicles 400 million years of this island's history. That is indeed a massive amount of time to explore and understand. Spread across eight galleries, this bi-level repository is like stepping on a time-travel machine. Dioramas, multimedia exhibits and graphic panels give insight into the topography, nature, culture, history and growth of Hong Kong. With thousands of objects creating a storyline that is exciting and engaging, there is probably no other museum in the city that is as comprehensive as the Hong Kong Museum of History. They also have special exhibitions at times. However they have an entrance fee to it.
The Cat Street Gallery is committed to exhibiting the best of international contemporary and modern art by both established and emerging artists. The Cat Street Gallery opened in November 2006 in it's first home in Cat Street with a group show of Australian artists including David Bromley and recent Archibald Prize winner Guy Maestri and held various exhibitions before moving to 222 Hollywood Road in February 2008. The Cat Street Gallery is a bit different. Nestling amidst the cold store meat packers and coffin shops of downtown Hollywood Road. Vibrant, edgy and mercurial, it is a gallery that likes to make a noise.
This new museum of history, art, and culture is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. Located in Sha Tin, New Territories, this expansive museum is a treasure trove and will take you on a journey through the city's past and present. The museum boasts an extensive collection of exhibits that encompass various aspects of Hong Kong's cultural heritage. These include displays on Chinese folk art, traditional customs, festivals, craftsmanship, and more. To make the visit engaging for all ages, here you will be offered interactive displays and multimedia presentations. You can also participate in hands-on activities, view multimedia installations, and even enjoy immersive virtual experiences.
The mysteries of the world are revealed in this information-packed, scientific fun house. Over 500 exhibits, of which many are hands-on, help to answer questions such as: How many atoms do you weigh? What is an atom, anyway? Have you ever taken a quantum leap? And, if so, how many calories did you lose? These questions and many more will be answered at this excellent educational, entertaining half-day jaunt through the magical and logical world of science. A delightful treat for children, Hong Kong Science Museum makes for a fun family excursion in the city.
The Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum showcases an educational glimpse into the city's penal system. Each of its 10 galleries retain a theme of its own, and traces the history and evolution of prison life. Uniforms, weapons, equipment and memorabilia comprise the display of over 600 artifacts. One of the most interesting exhibitions is the inventive artillery handcrafted by Vietnamese prisoners from bottles, plastic and diapers that illustrate the officials' rehabilitative efforts. The mock gallows and cells make for an intriguing visit. Head here if crime and imprisonment fascinate you, and leave with an unique insight into the region's history.
This off-the-beaten-path gem is worth seeking out for its historical edifice and unusual collection. Established in 1996, it is housed in a historic colonial-era building that was originally the Bacteriological Institute during the late 19th century. To find the place, go to the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, walk up Ladder Street, and turn right onto Caine Lane. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and healthcare in Hong Kong through a wide range of topics, including traditional Chinese medicine, the evolution of Western medicine in the region, public health initiatives, and the battle against infectious diseases like tuberculosis and smallpox. Adjacent to the museum is a medicinal herb garden, which is worth visiting.
Located in shop G3 in the Chinachem Hollywood Centre on Hollywood street, Connoisseur Art Gallery features many diverse styles of paintings. It aims to popularize contemporary Chinese artists like Ran Jie and Jia Juanli but also exhibits internationally acclaimed Swedish artist Dorina Mocan. Because of the gallery's popularity, works featured here will soon become famous, making this a perfect place for up-and-coming artists to show off their work. Its shows best illustrate the variety and vigor of Chinese paintings. Visitors who enjoy Chinese paintings will definitely find Connoisseur interesting.
Hidden by the adjacent stone walls of King George V Memorial Park, Above Second is a uniquely international exhibition space in local-heavy Sai Ying Pun. Founded in 2010 by resident artists Jasper Wong and partner May Wong, Above Second puts their focus on "New Contemporary" art inspired by illustration, pop-culture, photography, graffiti, murals and other alternative styles of street art that have gained a following in the modern art scene. International artists flock to Above Second to decorate the plain white walls that make a return before every exhibition, designs and tags bursting out from the plate glass gallery facade. The artists featured at Above Second are top-notch talents, many of them native Hong Kongers.
Hong Kong Squash Centre is one of the largest squash courts in Hong Kong and you can enjoy your favorite racket sport in this accommodating and extremely well-maintained facility. It comprises eighteen squash courts where you can pay and play in advance by booking in advance or join up as a member and enjoy cheaper court rates. It is home to an array of international as well as national squash tournaments and there is also a small eatery onsite to cure your hunger pangs after sweating it out.
Visit Hidden Agenda Live House and you might find jazz, punk, rock, folk, or other genres of music being played by performers from around the world. The venue was created by friends who wanted to liven up the music scene in Hong Kong, and it does just that. When the venue moved to its second location, a few improvements were made: a better sound system, a sound engineer, and a bar add a lot to the venue.
Located in the heart of the city, Sundaram Tagore Gallery has quickly established itself in the city's vibrant art scenario. Founded by Sundaram Tagore, a multi-talented gallerist, the eponymous gallery has been fostering exchange of cultural ideas. The gallery strongly promotes the collaboration of cultural diversity of the East and West. The gallery hosts exhibitions as well as lectures, book launches and artist talks. Log on to their website to know more.