The Blue House is a historic building located in Wan Chai, one of the oldest districts in Hong Kong. Built in the 1920s and 1930s, it is a four-storey shophouse that was once used as a tenement building for working-class families. Over the years, the building has undergone significant changes, including being painted blue in the 1990s to create a distinctive look.
In recent years, the Blue House has become an important cultural landmark in Hong Kong, as a symbol of the city's heritage and a testament to the stories of past residents. In 2017, the Blue House was officially opened to the public as a community center and cultural hub, featuring a history museum, heritage gallery, community center, and artist-in-residence space. The revitalization project aimed to preserve the building's cultural significance while also providing a space for community activities and events.
The Blue House retains many of its original architectural features, including a courtyard, balconies, and a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of Wan Chai. Inside, the building has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center that celebrates Hong Kong's heritage and community. The history museum features interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that tell the story of the Blue House and its residents. The heritage gallery showcases the rich cultural traditions of the Wan Chai district, including food, crafts, and music.
The community center provides a space for events and activities organized by local residents, such as workshops, cultural performances, and art exhibitions. The artist-in-residence program invites local artists to live and work in the building, creating a dynamic and diverse community of creatives who are dedicated to preserving Hong Kong's cultural heritage.
The Blue House has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, as a place to learn about Hong Kong's history, culture, and community. The center also offers guided tours and educational programs, making it an important resource for schools and organizations that are interested in preserving and promoting Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage.
Overall, the Blue House is an essential part of Hong Kong's cultural landscape and a valuable community resource. Through its revitalization as a community center and cultural hub, it has become a symbol of the city's rich history and diverse culture, and a place where residents and visitors alike can come together to learn, create,...
Read moreThe Blue House Quarter in Hong Kong is a historic neighborhood in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong Island. It is named after the iconic Blue House, a four-story tenement building painted bright blue, which serves as the centerpiece of the area. Here's what you need to know about the Blue House district:
Blue House: The Blue House is a preserved example of Tong Lau, traditional Chinese tenement buildings with mixed commercial and residential use. Built in the 1920s, it features a blue facade and distinctive architectural elements. Today, it houses a heritage center that showcases the history and culture of the neighborhood.
Cultural Preservation: The Blue House district is recognized for its efforts in cultural preservation and community revitalization. The restoration of the Blue House and surrounding buildings was designed to preserve the area's historical significance while creating spaces for community engagement and cultural activities. Community and Art Spaces: Within the Blue House neighborhood, you'll find a variety of community and arts spaces. These include art galleries, studios, and community spaces that host exhibitions, workshops, and performances that promote local arts and culture. Local Heritage and Lifestyle: The neighborhood surrounding the Blue House is known for its rich heritage and traditional lifestyle. Walking through the streets, you'll discover traditional shops, food stalls and markets that offer a glimpse into local life and the history of the area. Events and festivals: The Blue House district often hosts events and festivals that celebrate the neighborhood's cultural heritage. These events may include arts and crafts fairs, musical performances, cultural workshops, and traditional...
Read moreBlue House is a 4-storey balcony-type tenement block located at 72-74A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. It is a lamdmark building named after the blue colour painted on its external walls. It is one of the few remaining examples of tong lau of the balcony type in Hong Kong and is a Grade I historic building.
It was the original site of the first hospital 'Wah To Hospital' (aka "Wan Chai Kai Fong Hospital"), which was built in the 1870s in Wan Chai. The hospital provided Chinese medical services to local Chinese, was the first hospital in the district.
After the hospital closed in 1886, the two-storey building was used as a temple for Wah To, the revered Chinese physician from the Three Kingdoms period.
The building was later demolished in 1920 and was rebuilt into four four-storey tenement blocks in 1922. After the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1945, the building was used as a martial arts school and Dit Da clinic by Lam Cho, the adopted nephew of Lam Sai-wing.
In 1970, the building was acquired by the government and in 1990 the outer walls were painted blue, thus earning it the name Blue House.
It consists of three interconnected buildings: Blue House, Yellow House and Orange House.
Both the Blue House and Yellow House have become something of a living museum. They are home to the ‘Hong Kong House of Stories‘, which hosts events and exhibitions that touch upon various aspects of Hong Kong’s history and development.
The Orange House is primarily a residential building featuring 20 residential flats. Collectively, the colourful cluster of buildings is also home to a community service centre and two restaurants run by social...
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