Asia Society Hong Kong Center — Attraction in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong chapter of the Asia Society Center (free entry) is found within the historic grounds of the former Explosives Magazine of the old British Victoria Barracks in Admiralty district. Opening hours are 11am to 6pm daily (closed Mondays).

First this is an interesting heritage site and important link to Hong Kong early colonial and maritime history. The grounds include magazine rooms, laboratory and barracks built from as early as the mid 19th century and used until the 1980s. The grounds were refit for usage by the Asia Society Centre in 2005, adding modern architecture, sculpture garden and refitting several buildings into exhibition space.

The sculpture garden in particular is true urban retreat and real surprise for those who manage to find their way here. Visitors are treated to contemporary sculptures, double decked bridge structure and excellent elevated views of the Admiralty skyline. You can see the harbour from here as well.

The former magazine rooms now serve as exhibition space. Some incredible shows such as the Caravaggio and Dead Sea Scrolls exhibitions have been held here in the past. Recently we visited to view the "Story of Light" exhibition of prominent 20th century Hong Kong artist Hon Chi-fun (1922-2019), showcasing over 30 of his works spanning four decades. This is a nice opportunity to learn about this local artist and see a large collection of his works in a single location.

Overall, we have been happy with the exhibitions held at the Asia Society Centre over the years. Often they are low key but at times, they are very good and worth making time to view even during shorter trips to Hong Kong. A visit to the Asia Society to view the historical buildings and spend time in the sculpture garden is something worth...

As an affiliate of the Asia Society global network with 12 centers, Asia Society Hong Kong Center was established in 1990 by a group of Hong Kong community leaders, led by the late Sir Q.W. Lee, the honorary chairman of Hang Seng Bank.

In February 2012, Hong Kong Center established its new permanent home in Admiralty, Hong Kong at the Old Victoria Barracks, Former Explosives Magazine site.

Steeped in history, cultural significance and natural beauty, the 1.364 hectare site, which houses a group of four former British military buildings, was originally built by the British Army in the mid-19th century for explosives and ammunition production and storage. Through careful conservation, restoration and adaptive re-use, this heritage site was successfully transformed into a cultural, artistic and intellectual hub in Hong Kong in 2012 and offers a broad variety of programs in the form of lectures, performances, film screenings and exhibitions to the community.

Asia Society Hong Kong Center was established entirely with local funding and is supported through membership dues, fundraising events, and contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations that work together to support and advance...

It is the former Explosives Magazine of the old Victoria Barracks, a site steeped in history, cultural significance and natural beauty. When you visit the theatre, note how thick the walls are. Some are more than 1m thick. Also note the rails on ground which were used to transport the heavy guns and ammunition. Also look for the signs of former British navy on the stone walls. Attached please find some photos I took before the site was revitalized as the ASHK.

The 1.364 hectare site, which houses a group of four former British military buildings, was originally built by the British Army in the mid-19th century for explosives and ammunition production and storage. It was then expanded and taken over by the Royal Navy in the early 20th century. The site was later abandoned in 1990s until it was granted to ASHK by the HKSAR government for adaptive reuse. The heritage site was an integral part of the British military lands and as one of the few remaining sites, it is an important tangible link to Hong...