Tai Kwun

The Former Central Police Station Compound generated a lot of buzz when it was renovated into a center for heritage and arts in 2018. When the British government handed the city back to China in 1997, one of the most beautiful historical sites in Hong Kong had been bulldozed for development. Tai Kwun is therefore considered a rare gem since the compound, built between 1841 and 1925, comprises three declared monuments in Central: Victoria Prison, the Former Central Magistracy as well as the former Central Police Station, which are made up of 16 historic buildings.

The revitalization project was conceptualized in 2007. It was one of the most expensive revitalization projects in Hong Kong, which cost 3.8 billion, and took eight years to restore. The prison yard, parade ground, headquarter block and many more structures were preserved and transformed into public spaces, exhibition areas, restaurants, and bars. It has hosted shows by internationally established artists and organizations including Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and Secret Theatre in London. Tai Kwun is named after the historical colloquial name of the compound. In 2019, it was given the Award of Excellence from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.