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tai kwun tai kwun

Tai Kwun: Cultural Hub with Dinning + Must-Visit Spots

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Tai Kwun is an architectural complex in Hong Kong that combines heritage sites and art galleries. It includes two newly designed buildings, “JC Contemporary” and “JC Cube,” by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron. There are also outdoor spaces like “Parade Ground,” “Prison Yard,” and “Laundry Steps.” Visitors can explore the rich history of Tai Kwun through a series of thematic exhibitions and experiential activities that delve into Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. The revitalized Tai Kwun serves as an artistic platform, hosting contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year and presenting a diverse range of performing arts programs. We offers insights into Tai Kwun’s iconic architecture, latest exhibitions, dining recommendations, fees, opening hours, and transportation details. Discover more now!

Tai Kwun Directory

Tai Kwun | Iconic Architecture
Tai Kwun |Dining Recommendations
Tai Kwun |Transportation
Tai Kwun | Opening Hours


Tai Kwun Iconic Architecture 1.Tai Kwun Contemporary

Tai Kwun features the dedicated “Tai Kwun Contemporary” to promote public understanding and engagement with contemporary art. This non-profit department organizes five to eight curated exhibitions annually, showcasing works by artists from Hong Kong and around the world. It also curates various public programs and houses a collection of books and publications by Asian artists. The mission of Tai Kwun Contemporary is to create an inspiring art platform that encourages the public to explore and experiment.

The three-story museum building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, spans over 1,500 square meters and meets international museum standards. The exhibition halls extend across the modern architecture of JC Contemporary and the heritage space of Block F, embodying the spirit of harmonizing old and new at Tai Kwun. The brick facade of the new building is inspired by patterns found on the historic site, while the spiral staircase inside JC Contemporary has become a focal point of the entire revitalized complex. Exhibitions primarily take place on the first and third floors of JC Contemporary, while the second floor houses the Artists’ Book Library (details below). Additionally, Tai Kwun Contemporary has commissioned several artists, including Samson Young, Chen Yu-shan, Ceal Floyer, Izumi Kato, and Lawrence Weiner, to create public art installations displayed throughout Tai Kwun.

Tai Kwun Contemporary
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Location: The art museum is located in JC Contemporary, near the junction of Arbuthnot Road and Cochrane Street, facing the Prison Yard. There are also exhibition halls inside Block F of Tai Kwun.

Tai Kwun Iconic Architecture 2.Police Headquarters Block

The Police Headquarters Block was completed in 1919 and stands at 4 stories tall. It is one of the most magnificent buildings within the Central Police Station compound. The building houses various facilities, including a Historical Story Space (Chronicles of the Central Police Station), duplex exhibition rooms, a Police Service Center, shops, and restaurants.

Tai Kwun Iconic Architecture 3.Barrack Block

The Barrack Block, built in 1864, is one of the oldest buildings on the site. It is located on the southern side of the Parade Ground. Originally three stories tall, an additional storey was added in 1905 to accommodate the growing police force. Over the years, it has served as police offices and other support areas. Today, the Barrack Block houses the Main Heritage Gallery, a Heritage Storytelling Space, as well as a visitor center, shops, and restaurants.

Tai Kwun Iconic Architecture 4.Central Magistracy

The Central Magistracy, originally established in the 1840s, has undergone two reconstructions before the current third-generation building was constructed in 1914. The architectural elements of the building represent the authority of the court. The ground floor houses an old courtroom, and the basement serves as a Heritage Storytelling Space with holding cells. The remaining areas are utilized for integrated cultural and lifestyle programs.

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Tai Kwun |Dining Recommendations
1. Stecco Natura

Stecco Natura focuses on desserts and offers a variety of natural Italian gelato. Their gelato is made without preservatives and artificial colorings, using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a smooth and delicate taste. Their gelato, made in the style of Italian ice cream, comes in various flavors and toppings that are enticing. They also have options like sorbet and buffet, ensuring there is always something suitable for you.

tai kwun 大館 大館美食推介1)Stecco Natura
(Image source: Stecco Natura)

Information:

  • Restaurant: Stecco Natura
  • Address: Shop G02, Ground Floor, Block 10 & 13, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
  • Phone: 2320 2312
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 – 20:00

2. Behind Bars

Behind Bars is a unique and distinctive bar located in the exercise yard of Tai Kwun Prison. The interior decor has received high praise from patrons. Starting from 5:00 PM daily, the establishment offers a wide selection of fine wines. Additionally, on Tuesdays to Fridays from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, they provide lunch boxes featuring Japanese cuisine.

tai kwun 大館 大館美食推介2)Behind Bars
Recommended Cuisine in Tai Kwun 2)Behind Bars(Image source: Tai Kwun Website)

Information:

  • Restaurant: Behind Bars
  • Address: Shop 15, Ground Floor, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road (Former Central Police Station), Hong Kong
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 17:00 – 22:30

3. Phoenix Sweets

Phoenix Sweets is a dessert shop located in Tai Kwun, known for its exquisite selection of pastries and cakes. The brand was founded in Hong Kong and specializes in handmade desserts. Their three-dimensional cakes are particularly eye-catching and perfect for photo opportunities. The cakes come in various themes, catering to occasions such as weddings, children’s birthdays, and celebrations for women. They also offer options specifically designed for men’s celebrations.

tai kwun 大館
(Image source: Facebook@PhoenixSweets)

Information:

  • Restaurant: Phoenix Sweets
  • Address: Shop 03-205A, 2nd Floor, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road (Former Central Police Station), Hong Kong
  • Phone: 3686 0915
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 – 19:00

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Tai Kwun |Transportation

Transportation Details:
MTR :
  1. Take Exit D1 of Central Station (Hysan Place) and walk along Queen’s Road Central towards Sheung Wan. Turn left at the junction of Pottinger Street and Queen’s Road Central. Take the escalators within 100 Queen’s Road Central and the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator to reach Tai Kwun.
  2. Take Exit E of Hong Kong Station (International Finance Centre Phase 1 – One IFC) and walk across the Central Elevated Walkway to the Former Central Market. Take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator system to reach Tai Kwun.
Bus (via Hollywood Road):
  1. Citybus: Routes 12, 12M, 40M
  2. New World First Bus: Routes 13, 26
  3. Cross-Harbour Bus: Route H1 (only towards Tsim Sha Tsui)
Parking: There are no parking facilities within Tai Kwun. We recommend using nearby hourly parking facilities:

  1. Exchange Square Car Park (3 Connaught Road)
  2. Central Plaza Car Park (2 Connaught Road)

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Tai Kwun | Opening Hours

Opening Hours at Tai Kwun
Tai Kwun 8:00 – 23:00
Visitor Centre 10:00 – 20:00
JC Contemporary 11:00- 19:00(Tue-Sun)
Historic Storytelling Spaces 10:00/11:00 – 18:00-19:00

How to get to Tai Kwun?

o get to Tai Kwun, you can take the MTR, bus or drive there. For the MTR, you can walk from Exit D1 of Central Station (Wheelock Building) along Queen’s Road Central towards Sheung Wan, turn left at the junction of Queen Victoria Street and pass 100QRC The escalators within and the escalators from Central to Mid-Levels lead directly to Tai Kwun…More about

Is reservation required for Tai Kwun?

Generally, no prior reservation is required to visit Tai Kwun. However, there are daily guided tours in Tai Kwun in Cantonese or English, and additional pre-registration is required.More about

Image source:Wpcpey, Tai Kwun Website