12 August, 2022
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museums hong kong visit things to do whats on lifestyle exhibitions installations events talks tours panels
Lifestyle, What's On HK

The Best Museums In Hong Kong

12 August, 2022
museums hong kong visit things to do whats on lifestyle exhibitions installations events talks tours panels

Showcasing everything from art and history to science and space, here are the best museums in Hong Kong — offering cultural heritage exhibitions, guided tours and interactive displays and more!

Don’t underestimate museums as simply stoic, educational spaces — these institutions offer gorgeous showcases on every topic under the sun, from natural science and history to arts, technology, cultural heritage, maritime, space and more. Like visiting newer and ongoing art exhibitions and galleries in Hong Kong, there’s a nice bonus of keeping you cool or dry should the weather disappoint, and it all comes at little to no cost. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best museums to visit in Hong Kong, offering exhibitions, guided tours, interactive displays, panels, talks and more!

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New Museums In Hong Kong

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Hong Kong Palace Museum

Located around the corner from Freespace in the West Kowloon Cultural District, the newest museum in town is the Hong Kong Palace Museum — presenting over 900 priceless treasures from the Palace Museum on loan, exhibited here for the very first time. Explore seven thematic exhibitions, and get in for free on Wednesdays (until July 2023)!

Museum opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 10am to 6pm; Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays, 10am to 8pm. Closed Tuesday.
How much: $50 — General Admission Ticket (thematic exhibitions), $160 — Special Exhibition Ticket (thematic and special exhibitions). Book a ticket here.

Hong Kong Palace Museum, 8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.hkpm.org.hk

Read More: The Sassy Edit – What’s New In Hong Kong


museums hong kong m+ m plus

M+

It’s hard to believe that M+ has only been around for less than a year. This cultural hub is a massive museum (65,000 square feet!) housing 33 galleries, a cinema, a stunning shop, and restaurants with truly unbeatable harbour views. Keep up to date by checking its website and social media — exhibitions here rotate and there are always various video screenings and installations on display.

Museum opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am to 6pm, Friday, 10am to 10pm. Closed Monday.
How much: Currently free — reserve admission here

M+, 8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.mplus.org.hk

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museums hong kong Nissin HK CUPNOODLES MUSEUM hong kong

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Hong Kong

In case you missed its arrival last year — Hong Kong has its very own CUPNOODLES MUSEUM! Our city’s branch features two workshops from the original in Osaka, Japan plus a new world-exclusive workshop ($60) which allows you to customise your own original granola mix. Make sure to design your own cup and fill it with your favourite base and toppings at the My CUPNOODLES Factory ($60) or opt for the Nissin’s Damae Iccho workshop ($90) if that’s more to your taste.

Museum opening hours: Monday to Tuesday, Friday to Sunday, 11:15am to 7:15pm. Closed Wednesdays.
How much: $60 — My CUPNOODLES Factory (30 minutes), $60 — My Granola Factory (30 minutes), $120 — Demae Iccho Factory (90 minutes). Buy a ticket here.

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Hong Kong, Shop 26-35, 2/F, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.cupnoodles-museum.com.hk

Read More: 10 Unique Things To Do In Hong Kong


Our Favourite Museums In Hong Kong

museums hong kong dr sun yat-sen museum hong kong

Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum

Dedicated to world-renowned revolutionary Dr Sun Yat-sen, responsible for overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and setting up the Republic of China, this museum features two permanent exhibitions displaying a number of precious historical artefacts, a wide range of audiovisual programmes, and hosts special showcases from time to time. Dr Sun received his secondary and university education in Hong Kong and the city played a vital role in his reform movements and revolutionary activities.

Museum opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 7pm. Closed Thursdays and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Check for timings on Christmas Eve (24 December), Lunar New Year’s Eve, and the anniversaries of Dr Sun’s birth and death (12 November and 12 March).
How much: Free entry

Dr Sun Yat-sen MuseumKom Tong Hall, 7 Castle Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.hk.drsunyatsen.museum

Read More: 50 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong


museums hong kong flagstaff house museum of tea ware ceramics

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

A declared monument, Flagstaff House is the oldest example of Western-style architecture remaining in Hong Kong. In 1984, it was converted into the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, a branch museum of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Here you’ll find a stunning collection, study and showcase of teaware — including the world’s oldest known extant teapot, ancient ceramics and Chinese seals. Plus, regular demonstrations, tea gatherings and lecture programmes.

Museum opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong (inside Hong Kong Park), www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts

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museums hong kong heritage museum

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

The Hong Kong Heritage Museums brings together history, art and culture under one roof, housing five permanent and six thematic galleries. Explore and learn about everything from Cantonese Opera to Hong Kong music, film and television, and more. Current special exhibitions include a Bruce Lee-focused showcase with multimedia and over 400 invaluable items and memorabilia. The museum also publishes a quarterly newsletter, organises seminars and provides guided tours.

Museum opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 7pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry

Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Sha Tin


museums hong kong house of stories blue house wan chaimuseums

Hong Kong House of Stories

Located on the ground floor of the revitalised Blue House in Wan Chai, Hong Kong House Of Stories is intent on bringing the city’s culture and community to the forefront, with frequent exhibitions, workshops, and community-guided tours on rotation as well as film screenings and music concerts. The museum is made of two parts: a space dedicated to exhibitions and an area for handicrafts, where you can make your own souvenirs to take home.

Museum opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 10am to 6pm. Closed Wednesdays.
How much: Free entry

Hong Kong House of Stories, G/F, 72A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, vivabluehouse.hk

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Wan Chai


museums hong kong maritime museum central ferry pier

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Discover 2,000 years of Southern China’s maritime heritage over 15 galleries! At the Maritime Museum, you can gain a unique insight into the Pearl River Delta through art, science, history, engineering and marine ecology. Permanent and special exhibitions here cover everything from trade routes to voyages, river settlements, bandits, harbours, and shipyards. The museum also hosts a general guided tour every Sunday and Public Holiday. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, that stocks beautiful stationery, calendars, art magazines, history journals, miniatures and more.

Museum opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm,  Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 7pm
How much: $30

Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Ferry Pier No. 8, Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

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museums hong kong museum of art fine art exhibitions galleries

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Established in 1962, the Hong Kong Museum of Art boasts a collection of over 17,000 items. Here you’ll find curated collections of ancient and contemporary works from local and international artists — Chinese antiquities, modern art, trade pieces, paintings, calligraphy and so much more. We also love the selection of souvenirs here, with pretty tote bags, notebooks and postcards all decorated with fine art available to purchase.

Museum opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 7pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry to the main gallery and permanent exhibitions, around $30 for feature exhibitions

Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, hk.art.museum

Read More: Must-See Hong Kong Art Exhibitions


museums hong kong museum of history hong kong story

Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History’s permanent exhibition “Hong Kong Story” traces the city’s history and development — researched, collected and preserved in eight different galleries, starting from the Devonian period (400 million years ago) and ending in the modern-day. Exploring our city’s local folk culture, colonial past, Japanese occupation and more, this is a must-see. The museum also displays and conserves cultural objects related to the archaeology, history, ethnography and natural history of Hong Kong and Southern China.

Editor’s Note: The original “Hong Kong Story” permanent exhibition is currently under a government-ordered revamp. While this project is underway, you are welcome to visit the “Recreating a Classic: The Best Features of The Hong Kong Story” exhibition — an abridged version featuring 460 sets of selected exhibits and 210 photos.

Museum opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 7pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry

Hong Kong Museum Of History, 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, hk.history.museum

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museums hong kong railway museum trains mtr coaches

Hong Kong Railway Museum

An open-air museum occupying the space converted from the old Tai Po Market Railway Station, the Hong Kong Railway Museum is a lovely little establishment that puts our city’s train history on show, with six historical coaches, interactive displays and, of course, plenty of information about our beloved MTR.

Museum opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, and Public Holidays, 10am to 6pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry

Hong Kong Railway Museum, 13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

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Hong Kong Science Museum

If you grew up in Hong Kong, chances are you’re probably familiar with the Hong Kong Science Museum thanks to its very interactive and immersive exhibitions. Forget not touching displays — plenty of exhibitions here invite guests to participate (pressing buttons, pulling levels) as you learn more about science, technology and astronomy. Explore everything from aeronautical machines to the formation of the Earth, its biodiversity, energy and more. There’s currently a killer dinosaur fossils display on view until Wednesday, 16 November, 2022.

Museum opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, and Friday, 10am to 7pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 9pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am to 5pm. Closed Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: Free entry until Wednesday, 16 November, 2022

Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, hk.science.museum

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Tsim Sha Tsui


museums hong kong space museum astronomy solar system space exploration space theatre shows

Hong Kong Space Museum

Housed in the ever-recognisable domed structure, the Hong Kong Space Museum puts on display the evolution of the universe, space exploration, and the solar system. Here you’ll find 3D Dome Shows and an OMNIMAX projection system that turns the museum into a planetarium at its Space Theatre, interactive astronomy and space science exhibitions, and educational activities (online programmes, lectures, classes, courses, workshops, training camps and more).

Museum opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 1pm to 9pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 10am to 9pm, Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve, 10am/1pm to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
How much: $10 — Exhibition Halls, $24 to $32 — Space Theatre.

Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk

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museums hong kong tai kwun centre for heritage and arts

Tai Kwun

While not a museum in the strictest sense of the word, we love the combination of historical exhibits, heritage and contemporary art at Tai Kwun. With over 170 years of history, it’s easy to step back in time as you explore the old Central Police Station and prison. There are free tours and interactive displays, and you can even peek inside the old jail cells. Make sure to check the website for the latest exhibition and events in town.

Museum opening hours: Daily, 8am to 11pm
How much: Free entry, although some exhibitions and events may be ticketed

Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.taikwun.hk

Read More: Your Guide to Tai Kwun


Editor’s Note: A version of “The Best Museums In Hong Kong” was originally published in June, 2017 on our sister site Sassy Mama Hong Kong by Crystal Lau and was revised and updated for Sassy Hong Kong in August, 2022 by Sakina Abidi.

Main image courtesy of Hong Kong Palace Museum via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Hong Kong Palace Museum via Instagram, image 2 courtesy of M+, image 3 courtesy of CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Hong Kong, image 4 courtesy of SMU Constitutional and Administrative Law Wikipedia Project via Wikimedia Commons, image 5 courtesy of The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, image 6 courtesy of Wing1990hk via Wikimedia Commons, image 7 courtesy of Viva Blue House, image 8 courtesy of Hong Kong Maritime Museum via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Hong Kong Museum of Art via Instagram, image 10 courtesy of Daderot via Wikimedia Commons, image 11 courtesy of Mailer Diablo via Wikimedia Commons, image 12 courtesy of Hong Kong Science Museum, image 13 courtesy of Hong Kong Space Museum, image 14 courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

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