IT’S one of Hong Kong’s newest attractions, a part of the revitalization projects of the city and its biggest restoration by far — Tai Kwun.
Tai Kwun was formerly the Central Police Station. Its name in Chinese means “big station,” a term adopted from the colloquial term used to refer to the institution in the past. It’s serves a new purpose as a cultural hub known, a Center for Heritage and Arts to showcase the best in film, design, music, photography, performance, culture and heritage from Hong Kong, the region and the world.
Of the 16 heritage buildings on the site, three are declared monuments- the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison. Two new buildings have been added, the JC Contemporary and JC Cube. These edifices and the compound’s outdoor spaces— the Laundry Steps, Prison Yard and Parade Ground— now serve as multi-purpose venues for exhibitions, events and performances.
Old place, new use. The site is not exclusive for people of the arts but for everyone. Visitors will be impressed with how each component of the former police compound is put to good use. Interactive tours will relate its history and display the era’s architecture and design details. Thematic heritage and art exhibitions will give a glimpse of the city’s old and new facets.
If dining and shopping is an art form, then it finds its spaces in Tai Kwun. The compound is also a lifestyle destination as well. Coffee shops for light refreshments and restaurants for fine dining, specialty shops for bespoke pieces and boutiques for curated finds. The shopping and dining areas are niched in ex-barracks/headquarters rooms now converted into stylish spaces.
Now for your exclusive space to show your artistry also known as the Instagram account, Tai Kwun offers countless eye-candy possibilities to fill that up. You’d be surprised to find out how much the old building’s brick walls and unnoticed corners can tell more stories than its history.
Have you visited Tai Kwun? What shots did you post on IG? If you haven’t, it’s time to visit and discover another Hong Kong must-see.
I’ve got a few photos to share. Although traveling alone can limit your fab shots, there is always the tripod or that kind stranger to take that perfect shot for you. They’ll be nice enough to take that already-directed shot. All they have to do is click the shutter button.
Tai Kwun is at 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. Hours: 10am - 11pm (Visitor Center closes at 8pm). The compound can be accessed via five gates on or near Hollywood Road, Lan Kwai Fong and Soho: Bauhinia House Gate, Blue Gate, Footbridge Gate, Old Bailey Gate, and Pottinger Gate.
Check out more photos on my Instagram: jeepneyjinggoy
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