Discover Tai Kwun

Stepping into Tai Kwun, the compound’s stories slowly unfold along 16 historic buildings. Taking visitors on a time-travelling tour across eight rich Heritage Storytelling Spaces, our docents become storytellers eager to narrate in their own words the fascinating episodes and unusual anecdotes of Tai Kwun. Join our storytellers on this journey through history and discover the essence of Tai Kwun in 5 episodes. Start with our first episode to explore some architectural features and the conservation of Block 01 Police Headquarters Block, one of the Tai Kwun’s signature buildings.

Watch our first episode to explore some architectural features and the conservation of Block 01 Police Headquarters Block, and learn why a “tiger” caught in the New Territories was once preserved in the building…

English version

“All rise!” - In this episode, our docent-storyteller will show you around the third-generation Central Magistracy. Have a glimpse of the design, stories and conservation works of the century-old building. Step into the frame of an iconic historical photograph while traversing the staircase leading to the courthouse.

English Version 

Follow us through the former main entrance of Victoria Prison at the Superintendent’s House. Built in 1862, the ground floor of the building now serves as a major passageway into the refurbished prison, but the area was once remade into an enclosed space in the post-war period. It was only at the early stages of revitalisation that the team uncovered two murals beneath the white paint. How do you think these murals were related to the history of this building? 

English Version

Located in the heart of Victoria Prison, B Hall is visible right after going through the passage leading from the former main gate. Traces of the old prison remain everywhere along the narrow corridors with rows of cells on the two sides. Stepping into the cell with original decorations and interior structure is like going on time travel. As you immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the building, stories and memories of the prison’s former inmates are also uncovered.

English Version

In the final episode, we will be taking a glimpse of the site’s open space – the Prison Yard. Look for the marks that represent the foundation of the old radial-plan prison block, examine the details of Boundary Wall and find out why a green door is now named the “Blue Gate”.

English version